Q. How can I keep my fresh-cut Christmas tree fresh longer?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees are the starting point of an average of 160 house fires per year. A dried-out tree can quickly burst into flames and, since pine tends to burn hot, can result in an extremely fast-moving fire. Once you’ve seen a few scary videos of Christmas tree fires online you’ll wonder why there’s not more house fires. They are also a good reminder to check your smoke detectors!
I personally prefer my artificial tree with a few pine-scented air fresheners, but if your heart is set on a real tree there are a few steps you can take to keep it nice looking, fresh, and a bit safer.
Try to purchase your tree as soon as possible after it’s been cut. Most tree lots get their shipments right before Thanksgiving. You don’t want a tree that’s been sitting on the lot for a couple of weeks, especially if they don’t put their trees in water. Look for a reasonably healthy-looking tree—you don’t want one that’s already dried out or has lost most of its needles.
Trim half an inch from the bottom of the trunk, and make sure the cut is horizontal. A diagonal cut will not help the tree take up more water, and it will make it unstable. Use a water reservoir stand that is an appropriate size for the trunk diameter. Don’t try to whittle the end of the trunk to fit into a stand that is too small. Don’t drill holes into the base of the trunk – this will not help water uptake. Put the tree in water as soon as possible after cutting. A five-gallon bucket with about two inches of water will suffice while you and your spouse argue over where to put the tree.
Locate the tree far away from heat sources like fireplaces or space heaters. Keep it out of direct sunlight as well. Close any heating vents that may blow warm, dry air directly onto the tree. Once you’ve placed the tree, pour enough water into the reservoir to submerge the bottom two inches of the trunk. Use only tap water in the reservoir and refill daily. Strange potions consisting of corn syrup, Sprite, bleach, Epsom salt, or vodka will not prolong the life of your tree and, in some cases, may cause it to deteriorate faster.
Use LED lights and inspect them carefully for any frayed or damaged wires. LEDs are less likely to overload the circuit, and they run much cooler than incandescent. Turn off the lights before leaving the house or retiring for the night.
Once Christmas is over, dispose of or recycle your tree as soon as possible. If your Christmas celebrations extend to the feast of Epiphany (January 6), simply keep your nativity and other non-flammable decorations around.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu