Nothing quite matches the experience of having a real Christmas tree. Not only are they beautiful, their fragrance evokes memories of days-gone-by when everyone had a real tree.
If you need to store your tree before bringing it inside, Oregon State University recommends placing the base of the tree in a bucket of water. In northern climates, trees are often stored in a sheltered location with the trunk in the snow.
Recut the trunk by an inch or two before bringing the tree inside. This opens the pores and allows the tree to take up water freely. Once a tree is cut, the cut end is quickly sealed by the sap of the tree, preventing the uptake of water.
Place the tree in a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water. Many people claim that watering it for the first time with Mountain Dew--or another citrus flavored soft drink-prevents the tree from drying out, but the University of Illinois says that all that is needed is plain water.
Keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources, such as radiators or heaters. Ideally the area near the tree should be as cool as practical with limited exposure to heat to prevent drying.
Check the water level in your tree stand daily and refill as necessary. Keep the base of the tree wet at all times, as once it dries the cut reseals preventing the uptake of water. Although your tree absorbs the most water on the first day,don't make the mistake of neglecting it. Your Christmas tree needs a constant supply of water to prevent needles from drying.
Keeping your tree fresh preserves its beauty and prevents the risk of fire. With proper watering, your tree will remain fresh for weeks inside the home.
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