Fresh-cut and suitably watered Christmas trees are safe trees. Here are suggestions for Christmas tree care, display, longevity and advisability of tree preservatives.

Safe Christmas Trees

Beth Waltescheidt, a tree farmer from Texas and president of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) says, "If the water level falls below the cut surface for more than four to six hours, the tree’s ability to absorb moisture is inhibited.”

A dried-out holiday tree may burst into flames in a matter of seconds. Well-cared-for trees catch fire with great difficulty. When tree needles snap in two, the tree is a fire hazard. Prompt and proper removal is necessary.

Christmas Tree Care

The best trees for indoor decorations are locally grown and freshly cut. Many trees for sale, however, dry out because harvest occurred several months beforehand or during tree dormancy. Getting a safe holiday tree home is only the first step in Christmas tree care.

According to NCTA safety campaigns, whether a Christmas tree is freshly cut or harvested ahead of time, it is important to:

• Place the tree in warm water as soon as possible once getting it home. It is typical for fresh-cut trees to absorb most of their water within six to eight hours in a warm location.
• Make a fresh, level cut to the tree stump in harvested trees, especially if the stump looks dry. Expose fresh wood by sawing off a ½-inch to 2-inch disc from the base.
• Avoid whittling sides of the trunk so the tree fits a stand. Do not remove the outer layers of wood because this is where water absorption is best.
• Do not drill a hole in the tree base. This does not improve water uptake.
• Temporarily store trees in a cool location. Keep freshly cut bases immersed in a bucket kept full of water.

Christmas Tree Display and Longevity

The NCTA recommends a water reservoir stand as the most effective way of displaying Christmas trees and promoting their decorative longevity. The stand may be as simple as a bucket or bowl with a clamp, or one of the more modern kinds available. The constant supply of water is the most effective way of maintaining tree freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.

Two other important factors that promote safety and decorative longevity are:

• A stand should fit the tree and provide an adequate water-holding capacity for the tree. A general rule is a stand should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

• Water level in the stand's reservoir should be checked daily and not fall below the base of the tree. Trees may absorb up to two quarts a day. In addition, evaporation and water loss from the reservoir in dry winter homes is common.

Christmas Tree Preservatives, or Plain Water?

Eric Hinesley, Christmas tree researcher from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, maintains that plain tap water is sufficient to maintain the decorative longevity of cut Christmas trees.

As an alternative, consider a homemade Christmas tree preservative. Find the ingredients in the following Christmas Tree Preservative recipe at local grocery stores, large garden supply centers or farmers' supply stores.

2 cups corn syrup

2 ounces liquid chlorine bleach

2 pinches Epsom salts

½-teaspoon borax

1 teaspoon chelated iron

2 gallons hot water

Mix everything together in a large bucket. Let cool. Use this solution to water Christmas trees until removed.

This recipe apparently works for the same reasons as do most floral preservatives:

• Sugar (corn syrup) provides energy for continuing chemical processes in the tree's needles and may cause the tree to absorb more water;
• Boron (borax) causes the sugar water to move through the tree quickly;
• Epsom salts and chelated iron help to keep the tree green; and,
• Bleach prevents mold and bacteria from growing in the solution.

Many thanks to staff at Mike's Country Market, Produce and Greenhouses in Roanoke, VA for allowing these photographs.

©Text and photographs (unless noted) by Georgene A. Bramlage. 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.