Caring for Your Christmas Tree Through the Holidays

Each year, it is estimated that more than 30 million live Christmas trees are used in households across the United States. When using a live tree for the holidays, there are some simple steps that will go a long way in providing a safer and longer lasting tree. When choosing a tree, important things to look for are shape, color and needle retention. If the tree is fresh, the needles should be pliable and not snap off when bent. When shaking or bouncing the tree, needles should be well attached with very few falling off. It is normal for the tree to shed some needles, but too many falling may be a sign the tree is not fresh. A healthy tree should have good color as well, and not appear yellowed or wilting. The date the tree was cut and the conditions of storage and transportation before arriving at the lot will determine the length of time in which the needles will hold on after cutting. In general, pines will hold their needles the longest, followed by firs, and lastly, spruces. The warm weather this season has made it difficult to provide fresh trees as newly cut trees need cool storage. Use added caution this season when selecting your tree off the lot.

Once you bring your tree home, proper watering is the single most important factor in determining the length of time your tree will stay fresh indoors. If the tree is to be stored longer than a day, cut off an inch of the tree base and place in a bucket of water. This allows the tree to immediately uptake water. When you bring the tree into the home, cut off an inch of the base and immediately place the tree in a stand that holds ample water. Always keep the tree well-supplied with water, and check the water level several times per day. A freshly cut tree will rapidly absorb water during the first few days indoors. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree as the cut end will seal over, and the tree will not be able to uptake any more water. If the tree does run out of water, recut the base to expose fresh wood. To further guard against moisture loss, keep the tree away from air ducts, sunny windows and heat-producing appliances such as fireplaces and radiators.

Christmas trees can be sprayed with fire retardant to prevent flash fires. The best method for fireproofing a tree is to keep it well-supplied with water. However, there are commercial fire retardant treatments that can be sprayed on trees to reduce flammability. Another precaution is to use only UL-approved lights and nonflammable decorations on your tree. Keep trees away from heat sources and flammable items such as candles. Never leave home or go to bed with the Christmas tree lights on.

There are many wonderful things you can do with your Christmas tree after the holidays are over. I place mine in the backyard under the bird feeders, and the birds come in masses to hang out on the branches of the dead tree. The tree can be ground for mulch to place in flower beds or gardens. By weighting the base of the Christmas tree and sinking it in a pond, you can make a great attraction for fish. Most urban areas have a curbside recycling program for your Christmas trees. Check your local newspaper for dates of the curbside pick-up.

Mary Kroening, Missouri Master Gardener Coordinator and UMC Horticulturalist, (573) 882-9633