Keeping Your Christmas Tree Hydrated
Realistically, you can’t overwater a cut Christmas tree. Keeping your stand filled will ensure that your cut tree gets all the water it needs. A freshly-cut six-to-seven foot tree can take in over a quart of water a day. The water basin of the stand should be sufficiently large that the very bottom of the tree will always remain immersed in water.
Signs of a Dry Christmas Tree
If you don’t water your Christmas tree, it can quickly become dry, making it more of a fire risk and difficult to decorate properly. Without enough water, the branches can become brittle and break easily, and the tree will start to shed its needles. A dry tree also has less of an inviting scent, so you may miss out on one of the great joys of having a Christmas tree in your house.
What to do if your Christmas tree is wet?
A freshly-cut Christmas tree can drink a gallon of water daily. Check if its branches are flexible and needles are not excessively falling. Replace used water daily in the stand.
Tips for Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh
How do you keep a Christmas tree hydrated? Your freshly cut Christmas tree will take in the most water in the first seven to 10 days at home. Remember, there should always be enough water that the trunk remains submerged. After that, waterings may drop back to once a week.
The National Christmas Tree Association says the best way to keep a Christmas tree hydrated is plain fresh water. Adding aspirin, soda, bleach, corn syrup, sugar or preservatives actually can be detrimental. They can decrease moisture retention and increase needle loss.
If you find that your tree is not drinking after 48 hours, try adding hot (not boiling) water to your tree stand. By following these steps, you’ll be able to combat issues with water absorption and enjoy a well-hydrated Christmas tree.
Additional Tips for Tree Hydration
One popular DIY method is to add sugar to the water. Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a quart of tap water in the tree stand. This can provide nutrients, helping the tree stay healthy. You might also consider adding an aspirin tablet to the water. Aspirin can help the tree absorb water more easily.
If you want your tree to be healthy, you should trim the trunk. Cutting it straight across at least an inch off the bottom will help improve water absorption, hence keeping your Christmas tree alive longer.
7UP can also help keep a real Christmas tree hydrated longer. The sugary soda helps absorption and stay hydrated. This is beneficial for areas with dry climate, where real trees may struggle to get moisture.
Pair your tree with an appropriately sized stand to anchor it and keep its thirst quenched. Calculate water needs by measuring diameter. Secure tree in stand, fill reservoir quickly – ideally within 6-8 hours after being cut.
It is essential to keep the tree hydrated as it prevents branches drying out, reduces fire risk, and maintains green appearance. Check water levels daily and refill as needed.