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Keeping your Christmas tree fresh during the holiday season can be a real challenge. There are many factors that affect the condition of your Christmas tree during the holiday season. Consider the effects of your climate on your cold weather tree, the condition of your tree at time of purchase, and the type of tree you purchased. However what happens after you get your beautiful tree home is critical, for the secret to a lovely tree is keeping it well watered.

Climate Concerns:

Some trees withstand warmer climates better than others. Consider picking a tree variety that is native to your location or near to your location. The Virginia Pine is said to be a favorite of the American South, the Douglas Fir is popular in the American Northwest, while the Balsam Fir is popular in the Northeast, with a range as far north as Labrador. The Colorado Blue Spruce has particularly good needle retention and is found in the American West.

Benefits of Fresh Cut Trees:

A fresh cut tree is going to be in better shape than a tree picked up at a local retail lot. Since it is fresh, it is already very moist. Many Christmas tree farms abound throughout the United States. Before you head out to the farm to select your Christmas tree, make sure you measure the space where the tree will stand. Be sure to call ahead to get cutting information, pricing information, and tips on transporting your tree.

If you have room, you may choose to purchase a live tree that can be planted in your yard after the Christmas season is over. The key is to select a tree that is suited to your climate and yard space.

Purchasing from a Retail Lot:

If you must purchase your Christmas tree from a local retail lot, be sure to test your tree for dryness. Some retailers only receive a shipment of trees at the beginning of the season. Others may receive shipments spread throughout the season. Pine needles should never break unless they are very dry. Other needles will break crisply if they are fresh. Signs of dryness include loss of needles, deterioration of color, and wrinkled bark. Don't settle for a tree that is obviously in stress.

Home Maintenance:

When you bring your tree home, it's a good idea to cut off a couple of inches perpendicular from the bottom of the trunk. If it's not a fresh cut tree, then you will want to place your tree in a bucket of water for several hours. This will allow the tree to absorb water to moisturize the needles and branches. After placing your tree in its stand, keep the water level above the bottom of the trunk so it can continue to absorb water.

Fire Safety:

When placing your tree in its stand, make sure that the stand can support the size and weight of the tree without turning over.

Avoid placing your tree near wood stoves, fireplaces, or heater vents for these will dry out your tree. Keep your room temperatures set a little cooler than normal to help your tree maintain moisture levels. Use a humidifier to help bring moisture into the air if you live in a dry climate.

For additional fire safety precautions, keep candles away from your tree. Check your lights for electrical shorts and frayed wires. Be careful in using extension cords. Don't plug in too many strings of lights into one extension cord.

Your beautiful Christmas tree should last throughout the Christmas holiday season if properly cared for. Check daily for signs of dryness, water levels, and needle drop.

Learn more about this author, Linda G. Hull.
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