CARING FOR THE TREE IN YOUR HOME
Tree Care:
- If you don't plan to put the tree up right away, cut one inch off of the base when you get home, put the tree in a bucket of water and stand it in a shady place (the garage us usually perfect for this). Be sure to keep the water level up.
- When you bring the tree indoors, cut 1/2 to one inch off of the base of the trunk and place in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water.
- Do not place the tree near a fireplace, heater vents or other heat sources.
- Always keep the tree well-supplied with water. Check the water level in the stand several times each day for the first week. Trees may use several quarts of water a day. You will find that the water uptake will decrease over time, which is normal.
- Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree. If this occurs, the cut end can seal over, preventing further water uptake. The tree must then be taken down and a fresh cut made to allow water uptake.
- Adding aspirin, soda water, bleach or sugar to the water in the tree stand is no more effective in keeping the tree fresh than adding plain water each day.
Fireproofing Your Tree:
- The best way to keep a tree fresh and fire resistant is to keep it supplied with water at all times.
- A fresh tree supplied with water presents little fire hazard. As long as the tree takes up water, it will be relatively fire resistant (assuming safe placement of the tree and no hazard from ornaments or lights).
- Do not allow the water level in the tree stand to fall below the base of the tree.
- Trees can be sprayed with antitranspirants, which are clear films that slow water loss from the needles. We do not do this at Red Wagon Farm.
- Fire Marshall-approved treatments can be sprayed on trees to reduce flammability. These contain borax or other flame retardants. Check with the salesperson when you purchase your tree, or with the fire department or County Agent for specific fire-retardant treatments.
- Use only UL-approved lights and nonflammable decorations.
- Never leave home or go to bed with the Christmas tree lights on.