

This keeps the root ball solid and secure.

Do not remove the burlap and strapping (unless it is plastic).The spot to be dug should be mulched to prevent freezing. If the ground is unfrozen, the tree may be replanted.Instead, move to a sheltered area first for several days. Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures.If lights are used, they must not give off any heat. Live trees may be decorated, but with care.Wrap the root ball of a balled tree in plastic or place in a tub while it is in the house. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time. The tree should be stored in an unheated, sheltered area such as a garage or porch, out of the wind and sun.A six foot tall balled and burlapped tree will weigh as much as 250 pounds. Keep in mind that Living Trees are VERY heavy and bulky.Check with a reliable nursery or extension forester. Many species are shipped outside of their natural area and may not be adaptable to other areas. The adaptability of the species should be considered.If you get a tree with the roots attached, either in a pot or burlap, follow these suggested tree care tips: Eric Hinesley edited by the National Christmas Tree Association Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.Visit the Tree Recycling page to find a recycling program near you.After Christmas or if the tree is very dry, remove it from the house. Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree.Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day. Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight).With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.

SHOULD I DRILL HOLES IN MY CHRISTMAS TREE FULL
Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible.Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does NOT improve water uptake.Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand.The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree.Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree: With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water.
SHOULD I DRILL HOLES IN MY CHRISTMAS TREE HOW TO
How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Christmas Tree Use lots of water
