Here are some helpful tips on keeping your tree fresh and healthy throughout the Christmas season:

• Real trees should always be displayed in water.
• Make a fresh cut on the base of the tree to remove ¼ to 1 inch of wood before putting in the stand and adding water.
• The cut should be made within an hour of adding water to open up pores and allow the tree to better absorb water.  Never let the water level go below the base of the tree or it will seal itself.  If the base dries out resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly.
• Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
• Keep trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
• The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
• Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees, if properly cared for, will last at least 5 weeks before drying out.
• Unplug tree lights when not at home or sleeping. Always replace worn light strands and never bypass the fuses.
• Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree.
• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
• An average tree may consume between 1 quart and 1 gallon of water per day.
• Commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar and other additives added to the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.  Making the fresh cut shortly before putting the tree in the stand and adding water is important.
• If the tree is not going into the house soon after delivery, it should be stored in a bucket of warm water on a cool porch and protected from freezing temperatures and wind.