by Marvin Double

Created on: December 12, 2008   Last Updated: January 09, 2009

What would Christmas be without a lush green Christmas tree filled with lights and decorations? In many homes the tree is at the very the center of the holiday celebration often quite literally.

When we gather around the tree to exchange gifts on Christmas morning many might not be aware that the Christmas tree has an ancient heritage.

In pre-Christian Europe
evergreen trees were used in pagan celebrations. Because they are ever-green they were seen as symbols of the persistence and renewal of life in the desolation of winter.

The symbolic significance of the evergreen was not lost on early Christians. By blending older pagan practices with Christian beliefs they adopted the evergreen as part of their own decorations and celebrations. Eventually those early decorative customs would become the Christmas trees we know today.

Unfortunately our well heated modern homes can seriously dry out a Christmas tree turning it quickly from an attractive fresh smelling evergreen, to scentless, rusty brown, needle dropping fire hazard.

It is however simple and easy to avoid such Christmas tree disasters and keep your tree fresh and green and fire safe right through the holiday season with some evergreen know-how.

Trees which are freshly cut by you, immediately before being brought indoors, would obviously have the best chance to stay flexible and green longer.

After a tree is cut it begins to lose moisture, a process that speeds up if it's stored in direct sunlight, exposed to higher temperatures or drying winds.

Trees which are sold from lots are often harvested a month or more before they appear for sale on a local Christmas tree lot. In the time between harvest and sale the trees are stacked in huge piles and begin to dry out while they to wait to be transported to market.

The kind of tree you choose will also be a factor in how long it will last. Christmas tree growers advise that Balsam Fir is the most popular species with the best needle retention; white Spruce is worst.

Give each prospective tree the "freshness test". To do this grasp a small branch at its base holding it between fingers and thumb then pull gently towards you. A fresh tree will have a subtle flexible feel and only 10 or so needles will come off.

When the tree is cut down the cells in the newly exposed end will react with a healing response, sealing it off. Before putting the tree in the stand you'll need to cut off roughly half to three quarters of an inch from the butt with a good sharp saw. This will expose a fresh surface and allow it to absorb water.

Hot dry air is the enemy of a Christmas tree. Placing the tree over heating vents or in direct sunlight may cause it to dry out faster than normal. If you have no choice of location, closing a vent, turning down heat at night or pulling drapes during daylight will help protect it.

Switching from old hot incandescent Christmas tree lights to new cool LED lights will also help prevent the tree from drying. For safety check older lights for frayed wires, shorts or damaged plugs. Discard and replace lights with obvious faults.

Use a sturdy tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water and top it up daily. Experts unanimously agree that there is nothing you can add to the water which will help a tree last longer. Just plain water is all that's required.

The right tree, well watered under the best conditions should remain evergreen and fire safe right through the holidays.

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