It’s Christmas tree season and I couldn’t be happier. My insta feed is flooded with picture perfect tree farm photos, and everywhere I go I see trees strapped to the roof of cars. Every night my family and I walk around our neighborhood and spot the twinkling tree lights in the window. This time of year really is magical! As much as I love getting a real tree each year, it’s not without it’s challenges. The first one being the cost you have to swallow. I’m pretty sure we could have invested in one of those high-end artificial trees by now. The second of course trying to keep it alive all season long.
1. Wait
First of all, if you are planning to get a real tree, this is not something you can put out during mid November when the Holiday bug suddenly gets ahold of you. Real trees will not survive that long, no matter what you do to keep them fresh. If you want to have a fresh tree in your home you have to wait until at least after Thanksgiving. It might sound like torture now, but it’s worth it in the end. If you really cant resist decorating, put up the rest of your decor and then get your tree at a later date.
2. Cut Your Own
To ensure you get the freshest tree possible the best thing to do is to go to a U-pick tree farm when you can cut down your own. This way you can be sure they haven’t been cut and hanging around without water for a week or more already. Just know that they can start getting pricey, but it’s worth it if it’s going to survive the whole season.
3. Fresh Cut
If the tree you purchase has already been pre-cut, make sure they provide you with a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk before you head home. Once the tree is cut the sap will create a barrier making it more difficult to absorb water.
4. Put It Water Immediately
Whether you cut your own or if you purchase a pre-cut tree the first thing you want to do as soon as you get home is put it in water. Even if you can’t get around to decorating it immediately, you want it out of the sun and into water as soon as possible.
5. Keep Away From Heat And Sunlight
To ensure your tree stays fresh you want to keep it away from heaters, fireplaces or direct sunlight. It may look pretty sitting next to your fireplace, but if it’s something you use regularly it might be best to find a new home for your tree. The heat will just dry it out faster and it will not last as long.
6. Remember To Water
I know this sounds kinda ridiculous but it’s easy to forget that it’s not just a decoration once it’s in the house and still a living, growing tree that needs water to stay alive. Most tree stands do not hold much water so you will most likely need to top it up once a day. I just read at our local tree farm that is best to water it at night, although I’m not entirely sure what difference it makes.