The tree should have a fresh cut across the bottom, about 1 inch above the old base. This removes any clogged wood that may not readily
absorb water. (If your tree has been drilled for “stand-strait”, do not make a fresh cut, as this will shorten the support hole. Instead, brush-
clean the bottom and place in water as soon as possible.) Next, the tree should be placed in a stand with a large reservoir of water and
located in the room. Depending upon the size, species, and location of the tree, it may absorb a gallon of water in the first day, so it
should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary. Although some people advocate placing various substances in the water to
preserve freshness, we recommend that consumers simply keep the tree well watered with pure tap water. As long as the tree is able to
absorb and transpire water, it is reasonably fire-resistant.
It is important that the bottom is never allowed to dry out. This causes it to seal, preventing water absorption, and the tree will shed its
needles prematurely. Taking the tree down and cutting about a 1-inch slice off the bottom of the trunk, then replacing the tree in the stand
and re-watering, will remedy this problem. Although inconvenient, it is the only way to prevent early needle loss. Overall, a good rule of
thumb is to treat a green Christmas tree just like a fresh bouquet of cut flowers.
The Christmas tree should be located in a safe place, preferably near a wall or corner where it is not likely to be knocked over. Keeping the
tree away from heat sources such as hot air ducts, wood stoves, fireplaces, etc., will help to preserve freshness and lessen fire danger.
Similarly, light cords and connections used in decorating the tree should be in good working condition. Lights should always be turned off
at bedtime or when leaving for an extended period of time.
Fresh, well-watered Christmas trees do not represent a fire hazard. Trees that are dried out, however, do. In public buildings it is often
advisable to spray the trees with a fire retardant. In fact, in many locations this is necessary for insurance purposes. In the home, however,
the best fire retardant is to keep the tree supplied with plenty of water.
Disposal of Christmas Trees
After Christmas, the family tree represents a source of organic waste. Most consumers simply put the tree out with the rest of the
household garbage to be carted off to a landfill. Depending upon your situation, however, there may be other alternatives to disposing of
your tree. The tree could be placed in the backyard, adorned with bits of bread and suet, and used as a bird feeder. Most tree farms,
including ours, will provide chipper services, with the chips later used for mulching
important that they are not mistreated or dropped. Balled and burlapped trees should not be carried by their stems, because the weight of
the root ball can exert pressure on the roots and break them. It is best to pick the tree up by the ball itself or to roll the ball along the
ground.
Once the tree is home, it should be conditioned before being brought into a heated room. Leaving the tree upright in an unheated barn or
garage for a couple of days should be sufficient. After the conditioning, the tree can be brought indoors and placed in a cool location away
from direct sunlight. It is even more important with living trees that the location is away from heat sources such as wood stoves, fireplaces,
heater vents, etc.
Living Christmas trees will also need water, although not nearly as much as cut trees. Prior to moving the tree inside, the root ball should be
moistened and kept in a moist condition while the tree is displayed. The root ball should be placed in a bucket or a large pan to prevent soil
and water from staining the floor.
Living Christmas trees are fairly sensitive and should not be kept inside for more than 10 days. Exposure to the warm temperatures may
cause the dormant tree to break buds and start to grow, and of course this is undesirable. Before removing the tree directly outside, it
should be allowed to recondition in the same manner as when it was brought inside. After a couple of days, it should be ready to outplant.
If the ground is frozen or if the tree cannot be planted immediately, it should be placed in a sheltered area and the root ball heavily
mulched. When planting, the hole should be dug about the depth of the root ball and 1.5 to 2 times the diameter. In heavy clay soil, the
hole can even be dug 1 or 2 inches shallower than the root ball. The tree should be placed in the hole; backfilled with the soil removed from
the hole, watered, and mulched with straw, bark, sawdust, etc. The tree will remain dormant for the rest of the winter and then will start to
grow normally with other vegetation in the spring.
