How To Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh

Keeping a Christmas tree fresh can be quite simple. With a little care, your Christmas tree should thrive for five weeks. Unless you cut your tree down yourself within the past few hours, get your saw handy! While you're at it, find that tree stand and be sure it holds at least 1 gallon of water. Then be prepared to water it daily for about a week. Just follow these easy steps.

1. Make a fresh cut. When a Christmas tree is cut, it immediately starts forming resin on the bottom of the trunk, which will resist water. It is very important to cut that off before setting the tree in the stand. A hand-saw and some elbow grease will do the trick, and about three inches removed will be good.
2. Water the Christmas tree properly. Now that you've done the muscle work, let's make sure you'll feed this baby properly. Your stand should hold, at a minimum, 1 gallon of water. Once in place, mark the water level with a marker inside your tree stands bowl. On a daily basis, add water to reach that mark, until your tree stops consuming water. Your tree will stop taking water after 6-8 days.

There is no need to do anything after this point. Your tree should stay healthy for at least 3 weeks after it stops taking water. Adding chemicals, additives or even water at this point could only harm your tree. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday!