Caring for your tree
If you have a cut tree, rather than a rooted one, make a fresh cut across the bottom, about one inch above the original base, to remove any clogged wood that may not readily absorb water. Next, place the tree in a stand with a large reservoir of water and set it up in the room. Depending on size and species, a cut tree may absorb a gallon of water in the first day, so it should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary. Despite what our parents tended to do, just sticking the tree up in the room, it is important that the tree always be kept watered and not allowed to dry or it will shed its needles prematurely.
The Christmas tree should be located in a safe place, preferably near a wall or corner where it is not likely to be knocked over. Keeping the tree away from heat sources such as radiators, storage heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, and so on will help to preserve freshness and lessen fire danger. Similarly, light cords and connections used in decorating the tree should be in good working condition. Lights should always be turned off at bedtime or when leaving for an extended period of time.
Rooted trees should be dug while the weather is still warm, to avoid having to dig through frozen soil and potted up in garden soil in a large barrel for about a couple of weeks in a cool area like an unheated greenhouse or garage with windows, to acclimatise it gently to the warmer conditions it may face inside the house.
Christmas tree care photograph by Dave Parker, used under a creative commons attribution licence.
xmas tree wildlife, gnome budhha, gnome collection, gnome famous, gnome german, gnome history, gnome liberation, xmas tree alternatives, xmas tree balsam fir, xmas tree blue spruce, xmas tree care, xmas tree choosing, xmas tree christian, xmas tree crisis, xmas tree cut your own, xmas tree disposal, xmas tree douglas fir, xmas tree ethical, xmas tree from seed, xmas tree noble, xmas tree norway spruce, xmas tree outdoorlights, xmas tree pagan, xmas tree trafalgar square, xmas tree victorian
christmas gifts, christmas presents, nativity scenes, christmas scene ornaments, traditional christmas candles, hanukkah candles, christmas candles, christmas candlesticks, pre lit christmas trees, plastic christmas trees, christmas trees, external christmas lights, outdoor christmas lights, crimbo decorations, christmas decorations, christmas ornaments, festive decorations, advent decorations, crimbo lights, christmas lights, gardening presents, gardening gifts, presents for gardeners, gifts for gardeners, gardening gift sets, christmas gift sets