From wreaths on lampposts to garland on staircases, looking around towns in New Hampshire, it is easy to see that there are few things as festive as a real Christmas tree. Lighting ceremonies are held in village squares for the larger trees, while homes play guest to a variety of evergreens each year. At Belknap Landscape, we proudly help our clients with holiday décor throughout the Lakes Region. From festive wreaths and trees to warm lights and colorful bows, we’ve learned a thing or two about getting the best results for your enjoyment during the holidays. Here’s our advice for making your real Christmas tree last the entire season.
Pick out a tree that fits your needs and appears healthy. The biggest challenge in making your tree last the longest is keeping the tree hydrated. This means you need to start off with a tree that is as hydrated as possible.
Avoid trees with clearly dehydrated areas. Look to avoid limbs that are turning brown, as well as needles that shed easily or are particularly brittle. Take the time to gently brush the limbs to see if they retain some elasticity, and the needles remain in place.
When you get the tree home, cut off about one inch from the base of the tree before you bring it inside. This fresh cut will allow the trunk to absorb water more efficiently. If you cut your tree yourself and are immediately bringing it home, this may not be necessary, but if you’re unsure how long it has been since the tree was cut—take this step.
Consider spraying your tree with an anti-transpirant such as Wilt Pruf. This will reduce moisture loss through the needles into the ambient air. As the most significant variable to making your real tree last the longest is hydration, this step can prove valuable. Follow the instructions on the container and allow your tree time for the product to dry before moving your tree indoors. This is also an excellent step for your fresh wreaths.
Set up your tree away from heat sources. Close sources of heat will dehydrate your tree faster, but another consideration is safety. A fresh tree is flammable, and as the season progresses and the tree dries, they become more of a fire risk. Keeping your tree away from heat sources is the best way to mitigate the fire risk.
After you’ve installed your tree, water it immediately with enough water to keep the base of the trunk submerged. You do not need to add anything to the water, but you must check the water regularly to ensure the base remains submerged. A fresh tree uses a surprising amount of water, with around a gallon a day usage being common in many instances. At a minimum, we suggest checking your tree’s water daily.
When it’s time, dispose of your tree responsibly. Remove all decorations, including tinsel, and follow the policies your local municipality has in place. Throwing your tree in the woods, along a road, or in a body of water is littering. While the material is organic, it is irresponsible and detrimental to the environment.
