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Can you believe that, in a few short weeks, we’ll be decorating our houses for Christmas? Many of us love putting up a live tree. The scent of pine in the house is a marvelous addition to the Christmas atmosphere. Live trees can take a little more work, though, so we’ve compiled a list of five tips for keeping that live Christmas tree looking fresh.

1. Start with a clean, healthy tree – Whether you buy your live tree from a lot or cut it yourself at a tree farm, it’s important to choose a fresh, green tree and to clear out debris before putting it in the stand. Remember, at some point in the past it was growing in the great outdoors! Leaves, dead needles and even bird’s nests may be hidden in the branches. Use your gloved hands to gently brush debris from your tree if your tree vendor doesn’t use a “shaker.”

2. Use the right stand – This is a biggie! If you set out to buy a three foot tree and come home with one that brushes the ceiling, your flimsy tree stand may not hold it. Don’t risk your beautifully decorated tree falling over; make sure your tree stands firmly without any wobble. One more tip: your pre-cut tree’s trunk may be sealed to keep it fresh. Ask your tree vendor to cut a half-inch slice off the bottom to allow water to flow freely up the trunk.

3. Water, water, water! – And speaking of water—it’s the magic ingredient that keeps your Christmas tree fresh. Fill your tree stand with water as soon as your tree is in place, then check daily to see if it’s been absorbed.

By the way, people swear by their special concoctions that prolong the life of their Christmas trees. I’ve heard of adding sugar, aspirin, or a really exotic brew of micronized iron, bleach, and corn syrup to the water to keep your tree fresh longer. There are also several commercial Christmas tree preservatives you can use, but the big secret is making sure it gets enough water.

4. Keep your tree out of hot spots – To keep your tree from getting too dry, be sure to keep it away from heating vents. No sense having a miniature Santa Ana wind blowing across your tree and presents!

5. Don’t let your tree linger too long – Once Christmas is over, be sure to discard it if it’s showing signs of drying. Even the healthiest cut tree will begin dropping needles after a few weeks in the tree stand, so don’t let your Christmas tree linger too long once the presents have all been unwrapped.

There’s nothing quite like a live Christmas tree to set the tone for the holidays. Choose a healthy tree and make sure you use the right stand. Water your tree daily and don’t expose it to heat. That’s all it takes to have a beautiful live tree that will last to the end of the season!

Filed under: christmas tips, holiday tips