At Meadows Farms, we’re honored that you put your trust in us with your fresh-cut Christmas tree this season. If this is your first fresh-cut Christmas tree, or if you are transitioning over from an artificial Christmas tree, you may have questions regarding caring for your new tree. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to keep your new tree looking beautiful throughout the holiday season.
How to Set Up a Christmas Tree
Storing Your Tree Before Set-Up
If you’re not ready to trim your tree immediately, store it outside in a sheltered area (a cold garage is ideal) to prevent it from drying out. Avoid placing it in direct wind, which can dry out the tree.
If it is going to be a week or more before you decorate, make a fresh, straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut to open the tree stem to take up water. Then plunge the trunk end immediately into freshwater.
If you’ve purchased your tree at Meadows Farms and have had us do the trunk cut for you, get your tree in water as quickly as possible to preserve the fresh cut. Otherwise, a seal will form and you’ll need to make another fresh cut.
Watering Pre Set-Up
Keep water above the fresh cut, or a new one will be necessary. If the water level drops below the cut, a seal will form, which does not permit the tree to take in more water. Your new tree will take up water at an accelerated rate for the first few days after a fresh cut is applied, so monitor your water levels accordingly. Water consumption is related to trunk diameter and not to height. An average tree will consume between two pints and one gallon of water per day after the initial period.
Temperature Control
If possible, bring the tree into a partially heated area (basement) the night before decorating to help it adjust gradually to the warmer temperature. When deciding on a location for your tree, choose an area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can dry your tree out faster and cause it to drop its needles prematurely.
Tree Stand
Place the tree in a container or a stand that will hold water. Do not shave the sides of the tree trunk to fit the tree into your tree stand. Mix Tree Life tree preservative (sold in our garden centers) with the water as instructed on the package and water the tree daily. Proper use of tree preservatives and water will prolong the needle retention of your tree. A properly cared for tree can last approximately three weeks in your home, plenty of time for the Christmas season.
Ongoing Care
Once your tree is acclimated, set up, and decorated, the bulk of ongoing care focuses on preventing it from drying out and shedding needles. To keep your tree fresh and beautiful, follow these tips:
- Avoid Direct Heat Sources: Keep your tree away from direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and heat vents. These elements can dry out your tree quickly, causing it to lose needles prematurely.
- Maintain Room Humidity: Dry indoor air, especially in heated homes, can dry out your tree quickly. To help preserve its freshness, you can increase the humidity in the room by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water near the tree.
- Use Tree Preservative: Use a tree preservative like Tree Life, which provides essential nutrients. Follow the directions on the package to mix the preservative with water and continue watering your tree daily.
- Avoid Shaking or Moving the Tree: Once your tree is in place, try to avoid shaking or moving it, as this can dislodge needles and affect its shape. If you need to adjust the tree, be gentle to avoid excessive needle loss.
By following these steps, you can keep your tree fresh, vibrant, and your home (relatively) needle-free throughout the holiday season.
Most importantly, have a happy holiday from the team at Meadows Farms!