A dead Christmas tree can really put a damper on your holiday celebrations. But did you know that there are ways to make your Christmas tree last longer? Follow the steps below to make sure your tree lasts as long as possible this season!
Choose a good tree
Mark Derowitsch, a spokesperson for the Arbor Day Foundation, says there are several things you can look for in order to select the best Christmas tree that's sure to last throughout the holiday season.
- Cut your own Christmas tree, or purchase one from a local tree farm.
"That guarantees freshness, and by going to a local tree farm you know it's going to be sustainable, so trees will be replanted, and it will be a selective harvest," says Derowitsch. Selecting a tree from a local tree farm also supports local jobs and reduces emissions from transporting trees cross country.
- Choose organic when possible.
Avoid the pesticides! Check localharvest.org for a list of local and organic Christmas tree farmers.
- Inspect the tree.
Feel the needles - they should be flexible, not dry and brittle. If the needles fall off easily, stay away! Also, the tree should be a nice dark green color, not faded. The fresher the tree, the longer it will last.
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Once you've found the perfect tree, you'll want to wrap it for the ride home. Wrapping the tree with a tarp or a blanket keeps it from getting dried out and protects it from other damage.
If you don't want to go through the hassle of transporting your own tree though, you can always order one online!
Re-cut the stem
But, avoid whittling away the outer layers of the wood to make the base fit the stand. The outer layers are the most efficient in taking up water!
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Choose the right location
For the best kinds of stands, check out these 4 recommended stands from the National Christmas Tree Association.
Use low-heat lights
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Keep it watered
When the holidays are finished and you are ready to toss out your tree, consider recycling your tree instead of throwing it away in the trash. Check out ways to recycle your Christmas tree from the NCTA here!
