Real Christmas Tree Selection & Care Advice

From PINE BROOK and the PA Christmas Tree Growers Association

A Healthy Live Christmas Tree Through the Holiday Season

Follow these tips to keep your live Christmas tree as fresh and safe throughout the season. It's important that you know to appropriately choose and care for your tree so that it can last longer and you can be more environmentally conscious. With proper care, your Christmas tree will last at least five-six weeks or more, bringing warmth and pleasure for your family and friends.

Select Fresh - Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. One simple test for freshness is to gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. The needle should bend and not break and very few should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh. When you shake the tree, there should not be an excessive amount of green needles falling to the ground. Some drop of older, interior needles is normal.

New Cut - As soon as possible, make a fresh cut removing about 1-2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. If you have a pin stand, the retailer should pre-drill your tree and cut off more than an inch, so no further cutting is necessary.

Water Immediately - Right away, watering is critical. A freshly-cut tree can consume a gallon of water in 24 hours! If you are unable to set up your tree inside when you get home, store it in a cool sheltered area away from the wind and sun. But keep in mind a tree with a new cut can go only eight hours without water before absorption is jeopardized.

Check Level Daily - Make sure the tree stand is kept full of water so that it does not dry out. A stand that will hold a 4-inch diameter trunk should hold at least 1 gallon of water after the tree is set up. 

Plain Water Only - Research has shown that plain tap water is by far the best thing to have in the tree’s stand. Water holding stands that are kept filled with plain water will extend the freshness of trees for weeks. Some additives can actually be detrimental to a tree’s moisture retention and increase needle loss.

Placement - To reduce fire risk, stand your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, heating ducts, radiators, televisions, and other heat sources making certain not to block exits.

Lighting - When hanging lights, only use indoor lights on your tree and check lights to see that the cords and connections are in good working order. Be careful not to use more than three light sets per extension cord and choose the right ladder for the task. Unplug all lights and decorations when going to bed or when leaving home.

Decorations - Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where kids and pets can reach them. Keep potentially poisonous plants like mistletoe, holly berries and amaryllis away from small children and pets as well.

Recycle & Reuse - Remove the tree from your home when it is no longer drinking water from the stand, before it totally dries out. Don't burn trees or wreaths in the fireplace. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. So before you toss this year’s tree to the curb, check out these options to get the most out of your old Christmas Tree…

Looking for More Info About PA Christmas Trees Available in the Area?

Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas tree farms! If you love the characteristic aroma of an evergreen tree, then you need to take care of it at the source. With a little planning, having a real tree can add a fun and enjoyable family experience to the holidays. Click below to find a tree locally on the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association website...