The Christmas Tree

If you’re the type that likes to put up a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, I recommend, even though I have a Forestry degree, that you buy an artificial tree. I just don’t have much faith in a real tree being in the house for over a month. But, to each his own!!!

First, know the size tree you plan to purchase and get an adequate stand for it. Before heading out, get something to wrap around the tree as well as something to protect the finish on your vehicle. Bringing it home at highway speeds for even as little as one mile can cause branch damage. So, wrap it for the drive back home, and point the base of the tree toward the front of the vehicle. If you’re driving a pickup, there will be less stress on the branches. Secure the tree to prevent it from flying away to another vehicle at highway speeds!

If you plan to have the tree home and erect in the house within two hours (preferably one hour), accept the seller’s offer to cut off an inch at the base. Otherwise, when you get home cut off that inch, and get the tree up and in water. Otherwise the tree will seal off the base, making impossible for the tree to soak up water.

Make sure the tree base stays in water. Otherwise, you get to cut off an inch all over again. Then, what should you put in the water to keep the tree fresh? The answer is nothing. Water is mandatory, but all else is a waste of time and money. Rather than warm or hot water, use only cold water, and if possible, keep the tree away from a heating vent or fire place, to prevent faster tree drying.