Fresh Fragrant Trees

By Patricia Danflous

You found it.  After several hours and visits to several lots, the best tree ever is scraping the ceiling of your family room.  Stand back, admire your selection and take in that wonderful fragrance that says, “It’s Christmas time.”

Follow these suggestions from the National Christmas Tree Association to keep your tree fresh and fragrant through the end of the year: 

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  Position your tree in a standard, reservoir-type stand. Fill with water to maintain freshness and minimize needle loss.

• Use a stand with adequate water holding capacity. Generally, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.  Consider using a device that helps to maintain a constant water level in the stand.  Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
• Choose a stand that fits your tree.  Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand.  The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
• Make a fresh cut perpendicular to the stem axis and remove about a half-inch-thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand.
• Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.  With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
• Keep your tree away from major sources of heat, such as fireplaces, heaters, heat vents and direct sunlight.  Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
• Select decorative lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying out your tree.
• Turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
• Monitor the tree for freshness.  After Christmas or when the tree becomes dry, remove it from the house.