Don’t you just love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree in the house?  It’s one of my favorite things about the season, but there’s also no avoiding the fact that it’s going to start drying out, and pretty quick!  We all know that it’s important to keep the tree supplied with plenty of fresh water, but there are a few more tricks that will keep it looking (and smelling) fresh, just a bit longer.

  • Open the Pores ~ The best way for your tree to absorb water is with a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk.  Most tree lots will do this for you, and it’s important to put the base in (HOT – more on this below) water as soon as you get it home, even if it’s in a bucket on the back porch while you wait to set it up. If your tree hangs around for a few days before you set it up (and you have a saw), go ahead and give it one more fresh cut before you put it in the stand.  You will maximize the absorption of water with the freshest cut possible.
  • Keep it Cool ~ Don’t put your tree near heat sources such as a fireplace, wood stove or heater register.  The poor guy has already been cut from his roots, and propping him up near the heat is only going to suck more life out of him.
  • Feed It ~ Having been cut from its root system, your tree has lost its food source and it’s hungry!  But, you can still feed and nourish your tree and keep it from looking like Charlie Brown’s frail little tree with the needles falling off.  I have this ornament book from Christopher Radko, and it contains this great formula to add to your water.  I’ve been using it for years, and it really does help!  I’ve shared it with all my friends and family, and find that I get emails every year … “What was that concoction for my tree water again???”.

1 quart HOT tap water (hot water aids in circulation)

1 tablespoon liquid iron* (keeps the tree green)

2 tablespoons light corn syrup (feeds the tree)

1 tablespoon plain laundry bleach (fights bacteria and fungi)

*Liquid iron can be found in the garden section of stores

Check the water level daily, especially the first week!

I hope you found this Christmas tree blog helpful!  While the holidays should be filled with peace and fa la la, they can also be stressful.   If thoughts of decorating, decluttering, or where to sleep your guests has got your head spinning, a Designer Download© session with me can help!  It’s one-stop shopping for all the answers to all your questions.

Happy Holidays!

~ Kathy

Design should be fun, not stressful!