CHRISTMAS TREE CARE
Many folks have memories of going straight to the farm, selecting a tree in the field, then cutting it. If the reality is you will be selecting a cut tree from a Christmas tree lot, several things must be considered.- Check the condition of the needles. Place a needle between your thumb and forefinger and gently bend it. If it breaks, find another tree.
- Lift the tree 5-6 inches off the ground and drop on the stump end. If outside green needles fall off in large numbers it is not fresh; keep looking.
- Leave the tree outside in a 5 gallon bucket of water (make a fresh cut on the base of the stump before placing it in the water) to keep it as fresh as possible until you are ready to decorate.
- If you will be setting the tree up immediately, before placing the tree in the tree stand (1 gallon tree stand) cut 1 - 2 inches off the stump (trunk) to open the trunk so that water can be taken up and not be slowed by sap.
- Place the tree immediately in the tree stand and fill with water to keep the stump from closing off with sap. Check the water level daily.
- Place the tree away from heat sources. If you are putting lights on the Christmas Tree, check the entire system of lights for any type of potential hazards, including frayed wires, broken lights and more.
- Unplug the tree lights before bed time.
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