When a Christmas tree is cut, well over half of its weight is water. The most important thing that you can do to care for your tree is to simply maintain this water balance
- We will make a fresh cut on the trunk. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 2 to 4 hours after cutting and still absorb water very well.
- Trees can be stored for several days in a cool and shady location. Place the freshly-cut trunk in a bucket that’s kept full of water.
- Use a tree stand with an adequate water-holding capacity to display your tree. Check the water level daily. As a general rule, stands should provide about 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Some stands have circular rings at the top, so the ring must be large enough for the trunk to go through the hole. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk to fit a stand that’s too small, as the
outer layers of wood are the most efficient at absorbing water.
