Christmas trees are thirsty! Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and your tree will no longer be able to absorb water.

Remember to water your tree daily. A green and healthy tree is maintained with consistent water!

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Water and what? Water and nothing else, actually. A lot of people mistakenly think adding something to the water keeps the tree fresher, when in fact the most common mistake is just not providing enough water. A moderate-sized tree will gulp up close to four litres on the first day after a fresh cut is made.

Why water? Water will not only keep those needles from falling off before Santa arrives, but it also keeps the branches from drooping and losing all your decorations. Furthermore, a freshly watered tree is beautifully fragrant. Isn’t that the reason you got a real tree to begin with?

How much? You must water your tree every single day. A fresh tree will drink about one litre of water everyday. If you miss a day and the water runs dry, a layer of sticky sap forms over the bottom of the trunk, blocking water from being absorbed at all. The only way to remedy this is to cut another slice from the bottom… not at all easy if your tree is already decorated.

Can’t say it enough: Moisture is key. So, besides regular watering, keep your tree away from drafts and direct sources of heat. Ducts, fireplaces, electric heaters, even television sets will only serve to dry out your tree.

Here are a few Christmas Tree Facts taken from research done by the National Christmas Tree Association. They just might surprise you…

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately one tenth of one percent (0.12%) of residential fires involve a Christmas Tree — both real and artificial.
• At NO time can a Real Christmas Tree START or CAUSE a fire. Christmas Trees do not spontaneously combust.
• In 1998 more than 32 million Real Christmas Trees were used in the U.S. Of these, only 0.00093% was ignited in home fires.
• Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items:
• Newspapers and magazines — 13 times more likely
• Boxes or bags — 10 times more likely
• Curtains or drapes — 9 times more likely
• Overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences – these types of fires can be just as dangerous with an artificial tree.

When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees:

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1. Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
2. Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
3. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
4. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
5. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
6. Use 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.
7. Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
8. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
9. 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.
10. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
11. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
12. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
13. Do not overload electrical circuits.
14. Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
15. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
16. Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
17. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.

Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley
Edited by the Scientific Research Committee of the National Christmas Tree Association