Christmas Tree Maintenance: Real how to care methods

For those yearning to get a real Christmas tree this year, then here's a few helpful tips on how you can maintain a tree that your entire family can enjoy. Please read each tip carefully, as taking care of a tree can be a huge responsibility; especially for those that are used for the holidays.

1. Displaying trees in water in a traditional stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and reducing needle loss problems.
2. Before putting the tree in the stand, you must make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2 inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, as it only makes it that much more difficult to hold the tree in the stand, and it reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
3. Once your home with the tree, it's important to place it in some water as soon as possible. Most species of trees can go up to six to eight hours, after cutting the trunk and still take in water. Be sure not to bruise the cut or get it dirty.
4. If necessary, trees can be stored for several days in a cool location on a temporary basis. Just place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
5. If you rather keep the tree indoors, then use a stand that has an adequate water holding capacity for it. Stands should provide one 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. Try 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 shouldn't be removed.
7. Be sure when placing your tree to keep it displayed away from sources of heat such as fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight. Lowering the room temperature is another good way to preserve your tree, as it will slow down the drying process, resulting in less water consumption per day.
8. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand isn't important, as it has no affect on the water uptake.
9. Be sure to check the stand daily, to make sure the level of water doesn't 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 hold in the base of the trunk will not improve the water uptake.
11. When decorating your tree, you have to be sure to use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights. These lights will reduce the drying of the tree.
12. Always inspect the light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If the light set looks to be worn, then replace it with a new set.
13. Whatever you do when plugging in your Christmas lights, do not overload the electrical circuits.
14. When your not using the lights (i.e. going to bed or leaving the house), then turn them off, as it wastes energy, and can run up your electric bill if your not careful.
15. Frequently monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree dries up, remove it from the house.

Final thoughts:

I would just like to thank everyone who read this hub, and I hope these tips come in handy for many of you this year, who decide to get a real Christmas tree this year. Merry Christmas everyone!