Christmas Tree Care

It's helpful to make a flat 1/2"-1" cut from the bottom of the trunk to provide a fresh surface for the tree to uptake water. Don't make an angled or "V" cut because these cuts will make it harder for the tree to drink water, plus they may make the tree unstable in its stand. Make sure the tree has a lot of water when you first bring it into your home. Mixing Christmas tree preservative into the water can help keep your tree fresh for an extended length of time, but the most important step of watering the tree is to make sure it never dries out.

Pay attention to where you place the tree and the decorations that you use. Check your lights to be sure there isn't any exposed wiring. You may want to make certain any lights in contact with the tree aren't hot. Decorating your tree with lit candles is begging for a visit from the fire department, no matter how well-watered your tree is. Don't position the tree near a lit fireplace. Similarly, try to avoid placing it the path of a heater vent.

Christmas Tree Preservative Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
  
• 2 cups light corn syrup
  
• 4 teaspoons chlorine bleach
  
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar