If you opted for a fresh Christmas tree this holiday season, you might be wondering how to get more bang for your buck. After all, you will want to keep your tree looking green and fresh for anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your tree looking fresh all the way until the big day. Take a look below at 7 ways to make your Christmas tree last longer this holiday season (It is easier than you may think).
7 Ways to Make Your Christmas Tree Last Longer
1. Cut the trunk.
Cut off a few inches of the trunk exposing fresh wood. This will allow the tree to soak up as much water as possible. If you don’t cut it exposing fresh wood, the trunk won’t be nearly as effective since sap and air can cause it to dry out and seal up.
2. Watch out for vents.
Try to position your tree away from heat vents, as the constant flow of warm air will cause it to dry out quickly. Instead, opt for a cooler spot away from a vent and away from direct sunlight. A shadier, cool place is perfect.
3. Trim off dying branches.
When you buy your tree, you may notice some scraggly branches. Snip these off so the tree is not wasting valuable energy to save these branches. At the same time, remove any dead branches or needles as soon as you see them.
4. Feed it.
Your tree will need a constant supply of fresh water, but did you know it can benefit from being fed too? Add a cup of sugar to the water as an extra boost. Or, you can ask your local florist or grocery floral department for some of those free plant food packets. It is a great way to give your tree a boost.
5. Turn off lights when not present.
Keeping your tree cool is key to making it last longer. Turn off your tree lights when you are not in the room to enjoy them. Lights heat up and can dry out the tree, so turning them off when not needed can help you to avoid unnecessary stress on the tree. You can also be sure you are using LED lights which are cooler and place less heat on the branches.
6. Check the size of your tree stand.
A tree stand should hold a good two liters of water or more. This way the tree always has adequate water and can stay hydrated. While you might think your tree stand is cute, if it holds anything less than 2 liters (think a two liter soda bottle) then you should consider a new one.
7. Mist it, if possible.
Keep a bottle of cool water nearby to mist your tree if at all possible. If you have a great deal of lights and décor this may be difficult, but try to get in close to the trunk and give it a few sprays. Any moisture will help it stay looking fresh longer.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make your Christmas tree last longer this holiday season. After all, you invested your hard earned money in it, you want to take care of it right? Follow these tips and you should be able to enjoy your fresh tree for a good 4 weeks or possibly more.
Give these tips a try and you can enjoy many more nights around the Christmas tree this year. And as we all know, that is priceless!
