Unlike their artificial counterparts, however, fresh trees require some basic botanical care to keep them looking their holiday best.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening has a few tips on how to keep your tree in tip-top shape throughout the holiday season.
- Whether you’re at a farm or a tree lot, be sure you choose a healthy tree. Run your hand through a branch. If a lot of needles fall off, pick a different tree.
- Be sure you have a sturdy tree stand that will hold plenty of water.
- Get your tree into water as soon as possible. If you bought your tree from a lot, cut off a slice of the trunk one inch from the bottom to allow for faster initial water absorption.
- Check the water level every day.
- There are many myths circulating about what you can add to your tree’s water to reduce needle drop and prolong the life of your tree. Sugar, honey, molasses, lemon juice, aspirin, fertilizer, and commercially available tree preservatives have all been touted as cures for dried out, shedding Christmas trees. But in reality, there is no evidence that water additives will significantly increase the usable life of your tree compared to fresh water.
- If you can, keep your tree in a cooler room. This will help keep it looking fresh and green longer. Do not place trees by radiators or warm air vents.
