As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect live Christmas tree begins.
To ensure your tree stays fresh and vibrant throughout the holidays, experts share crucial strategies that guarantee a long-lasting and healthy tree (via Business Insider).
Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Tree
Choosing the right tree is the initial step towards ensuring its longevity. Bert Cregg, a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, advises performing a pull test while selecting your tree.
"Take your thumb and forefinger and kind of pull along the chute," Cregg explains. "You shouldn't have needles coming off in your hand."
Cregg also notes that Fraser and Noble first stand out for their excellent needle retention, promising a lush and enduring tree when cared for properly.
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How to Cut the Tree Perfectly
Once you have found the perfect tree, the next essential step is preparing its base.
Sawing off about an inch from the bottom of the trunk is recommended by both Cregg and Justin G. A. Whitehill, lead of the Christmas Tree Genetics Program at North Carolina State University.
This fresh cut not only aids in optimal water absorption but also clears away any residue that might hinder the tree's ability to take in water efficiently.
"Get the tree into fresh, clean water as fast as possible," emphasizes Whitehill. Proper hydration is fundamental to a tree's longevity.
With their expertise in forest genetics, forest health, genomics, and chemical ecology, Whitehill and Cregg highlight the significant water intake during the initial week. Cregg suggests a rule of thumb: "The stand should hold about a quart of water for every inch of diameter of the trunk where the cut is."
Adhering to this guideline ensures adequate hydration for the tree. Interestingly, Cregg notes that sometimes less expensive plastic stands can hold more water than their pricier counterparts.
Contrary to popular belief, tree additives like aspirin, soda, or bleach are unnecessary. "The research has shown just fresh tap water is all people need to do - and plenty of it," asserts Cregg. Ensuring the water reservoir remains filled is crucial, as a dry stand can impede the tree's water uptake.
Take Note
Cregg and Whitehill's expertise underscores the importance of these simple yet effective strategies in maintaining a vibrant, live Christmas tree. However, timely action is key.
"Though Thanksgiving falls a bit early this year, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your tree looks as good as the ornaments," advises Cregg, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
Their insights provide a comprehensive guide to preserving the freshness of your live Christmas tree, promising a centerpiece that radiates the joy and spirit of the holiday season.
With careful selection, proper hydration, and a fresh cut, your tree is poised to stand tall, adorned with festive cheer, throughout the celebrations.
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