A Christmas tree is the centerpiece of any holiday celebration. It’s meant to be admired and enjoyed for weeks, but if you’re not careful, your tree could turn into a short-lived disappointment. Now that you’ve bought your perfect holiday tree, you’re probably wondering how to keep it looking fresh and green as long as possible. Here are some simple steps for making your tree last as long as possible:
1. Ensure that the tree you choose is fresh. If it has needles that fall off when you shake it, or if they feel brittle and don’t snap back when you bend them, the tree is probably too old and won’t last long even with proper watering. Instead, select a nice full tree with green needles that have a fresh smell to them.
2. Water your new Christmas tree daily. A freshly cut tree needs to be watered every day to maintain its moisture content. Use a watering can or a bucket with a lid so the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly from the tree stand or drip all over your floors. The water should reach the bottom of your tree stand and just cover the root ball. Watering daily will also help keep the needles from drying out while they’re on the tree, which will make them less likely to fall off once Christmas is over.
3. Check to see if there are any leaks in the stand that could cause water loss. Be aware of any loose screws which could also cause you to lose water faster than expected.
4. Keep your Christmas tree away from heat vents or any other kind of open flame that could dry out the needles faster than expected. Find a spot away from direct sunlight and drafts where the tree can remain undisturbed.
