How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh All Season

Growing quality Christmas trees is a year-round commitment for farmers. Trees take 6–10 years to reach marketable size, requiring fertilization, mowing, pest management, and hand-shearing. Over 35 million trees are cut annually in the U.S., and for each harvested, 2–3 seedlings are planted.

Choosing a Living Tree

Consider a potted living tree. Prepare the planting hole in advance, insulate with leaves, and store soil indoors. Keep the tree inside for about a week, then acclimate in a shed before planting.

Keeping a Cut Tree Fresh

It's all about water. A tree can drink up to a gallon per day.

• Make a fresh ½-inch cut off the trunk base before setting in the stand. Fresh wood absorbs water; a sealed base cannot.
• Your tree will consume 65% of its water in the first week. A fresh tree holds more water weight than its dry weight.

Real vs. Artificial Tree Safety

Less than 0.1% of residential fires involve real trees. Artificial trees are petroleum-based and emit toxic black smoke when burning. A well-watered real tree is naturally fire-retardant.

Enjoy bringing the outdoors in this holiday season!

By Robin Sweetser