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Caring
for Your REAL Christmas Tree
With
the proper care, the perfect tree you have selected
will stay green and healthy throughout the holidays,
minimizing clean-up and maximizing the joy of
your holiday. Here are a few tips:
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Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree
to open up the pores, which have been clogged
by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. If
you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will
not be able to drink water.
-
After the cut is made, put the tree in water
as soon as possible. The longer the time between
when the tree is given a fresh cut and when
it is put into water, the less ability the
tree has to absorb water.
-
Rinse water reservoir of the tree stand with
a mixture of one capful of bleach and one
cup of water before inserting the tree. This
reduces the growth of micro-organisms that
can block the tree’s ability to absorb
water. Be careful to avoid spilling or splashing
the bleach on carpeting, etc.
-
Place the tree in a sturdy stand, which will
hold at least one gallon of water. Fill with
plain water.
-
If the tree is not going into the house soon
after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket
of warm water on a cool porch or patio away
from wind and sun in warm climates, and protected
from freezing temperatures and wind in cold
climates.
-
An average tree may consume between one quart
and one gallon of water per day. If the water
level drops below the cut end of the trunk,
a seal will form and no more water will be
absorbed by the tree unless another fresh
cut is made. So don’t forget to add
water every day.
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