After Your Bring Your Tree Home
Amazing tips you may not have known
Q. How do I store the tree if I'm not ready to put it up?
Keep your tree in a sheltered, unheated area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the wind and sun until you're ready to decorate it. Make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (it does not matter how much you cut off, just make a fresh cut) and place the tree in a tree stand or bucket that holds at least one gallon of water.
Q. Does the size of the tree stand matter?
The biggest mistake you could make is buying a small, cheap tree stand. Your tree will dry out if the stand doesn't hold at least a gallon of water.
Q. How much water will my tree drink?
Water is definitely the key to maintaining a spectacular tree throughout the holidays. Your tree will need water daily. Never let your tree stand go dry! A tree will absorb over a gallon of water in the first 24-48 hours and then it will slow down. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and the boughs from drooping. Even if you don't let your tree stand go dry, a seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump if the water drops below the base of the tree preventing the tree from absorbing water. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made. It doesn't matter how much you cut off, just make a fresh cut. Tap water is all your tree needs to stay replenished. Boiling water, adding sugar or Sprite has been disproved to help your tree and is just a gimmick.
Q. What do I do when I'm ready to bring the tree inside?
If the tree is frozen or has ice on the branches or is wet in any way, thaw it out slowly in a non-heated, but covered area--such as a garage or porch. You can then bring it in the house.
Q. Does it matter where I put the tree once it is in my house?
Keep your tree away from heat and draft sources like fireplaces (we know it looks pretty, but this is actually the worst place for a Christmas tree), furnace vents, radiators and television sets. The heat inside your house in general will make your tree extra thirsty, so make sure the heat is not blowing directly on your tree.
Q. What else should I do when I put the tree up?
Test your light cords and connections before hanging them on the tree to make sure they're in good working order. You don't want to use cords with cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets. If you purchased a tree bag, you may place it under the tree stand at this time.
Q. Can I leave the Christmas Tree lights turned on?
Christmas tree lights are warm when on. They can also be a fire hazard. So be sure to unplug lights before you go to bed or leave the house.
Q. How long will my tree last indoors?
Your tree should last at least 4 weeks inside your home with proper care. If you keep your home exceptionally warm, this will hinder the lifespan of your tree.
Q. What happens if my tree accidently runs out of water?
It's best to make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree to reopen the closed pores. The outside rings of the trees is where the majority of the water will be drawn.
Q.What do I do when I take the tree down?
Carefully remove your ornaments and lights. If you bought a tree bag, remove the tree from the stand and enclose it in your tree bag to prevent needles from falling inside your house as you take the tree out.
