How to Keep a Live Christmas Tree Looking Alive

Many families like to head out to pick out their Christmas tree immediately following the Thanksgiving holidays. However, that means the tree will need to last in their home for several weeks to be healthy and vibrant for the Christmas season. By carefully tending your tree before and after taking it indoors and demonstrating great care in its placement in your home, you can help ensure that the tree looks fresh and lively for as long as possible.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Keep the tree outside in the cold for as long as possible. Refrain from storing it indoors until you are ready to put it in the tree stand.
   • 2
     Trim off an inch from the bottom of the tree trunk before placing it in the tree stand. As with flower stems, trimming the base of the trunk allows the plant to soak up more water, keeping it healthier and more vibrant.
   • 3
     Place the tree as far away as possible from heating sources, as this can cause the tree to dry out prematurely.
   • 4
     Use decorative lights that emit low or no heat, as any source of heat can dry out the tree.
   • 5
     Add a sugar concoction to the water. Mix a gallon of hot water with a cup of light corn syrup, 4 tsp. of bleach, 2 to 4 tsp. of lemon juice and 1/4 tsp. of Epsom salts and fill the tree stand basin with the solution. You can store this solution for up to two weeks in the refrigerator as well.
   • 6
     Spray the tree branches with water daily to keep the needles moist and fresh.

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