How to Care for a Christmas Tree: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

If you want to decorate your home with a real Christmas tree, there are a number of steps you can take to keep the tree green, healthy, and safe throughout the Christmas holiday season. If you like the distinctive scent of evergreen trees (trees that are always green all year round), you need to take care of the tree so that the aroma does not disappear. It's important to know how to choose and care for a Christmas tree so that it lasts longer and you become more environmentally conscious.

Step

Part 1 of 6: Choosing a Good Tree

Step 1. Choose a healthy tree

If you can, buy one at a Christmas tree plantation, where the tree can be purchased while it is still planted in the ground. A freshly felled Christmas tree lasts longer than a tree that was cut down weeks ago and shipped to far-flung shops.

Step 2. Don't choose trees that have a lot of dead or browned leaves

Such a tree is past its prime. Gently rub the tree branch to make sure the leaves are supple and don't fall off.

Part 2 of 6: Making Space at Home

Step 1. Select and provide free space for the tree to be placed

Trees should be placed away from flames or heat sources so they don't dry out quickly. Sometimes trees do catch fire. So, be careful (read Warning below). The corner of the room is a great place to put a Christmas tree because it prevents the tree from getting hit and falling.

• If you are going to use decorative lights, place the tree near an electric socket. Otherwise, use an extension cord. If using an extension cord, make sure the cord is stretched along the wall so that people do not trip over it.

  

Step 2. Cover the floor where the tree will be placed

You can use a nice tree skirt or save some money by using paper or satin with a Christmas pattern like the one in the picture. This coating is not only decorative, but also protects the floor in case water splashes.

If using a skirt mounted on a tree holder, place a protective layer of flooring under the receptacle and attach the decorative skirt once the tree has been placed in the receptacle. This method is not only neater and more beautiful but also prevents pets from drinking water at the base of the tree

Part 3 of 6: Installing Trees

Step 1. Prepare the tree base

With a small hand saw, cut the bottom of the tree about 1.5-2.5 cm to help absorb water.

• Note: it is recommended not to cut the base of the tree at a certain angle, form a V-shape, or perforate the base of the tree. All of these methods do not help absorb water, but instead make it difficult for the tree to stand safely in the tree stand/container.
• DO NOT cut trees with a reciprocal saw or any sharp object that moves quickly and creates friction. If the cut side becomes too hot, the sap in the trunk will harden and clog the base of the tree, preventing water from being absorbed. Cut the tree with a manual or machine saw.

Step 2. Install the tree within 8 hours of the tree base being cut

That's how long a fresh tree can survive without water before the water can't be absorbed at all. Never set up a Christmas tree when it is dry. Mounting a Christmas tree in a container filled with water that is refilled regularly is much better. Purchase a special tree holder or container that can be screwed into the base of the tree and has a place for water. Or, use a more rugged but proven method of using a bucket filled with small rocks (put the tree in the bucket, then place the rocks around the trunk). Trees should be given 950 ml of water for every 2.5 cm diameter tree trunk.

Note: regardless of the method used, make sure the tree stands steady. Don't peel the tree bark just so it can be inserted into the stand--the outermost layer is where the most water absorbs

Step 3. Make sure the tree is standing straight

It's a good idea to have the tree installed by at least two people: one person holding the tree while the other person inserts the tree base into the container/stand. Always stand some distance away to make sure the tree is straight before starting to decorate because, of course, the position of the tree is easiest to fix at this stage.

Part 4 of 6: Decorating Trees Safely

Step 1. Decorate the tree

For many, decorating the Christmas tree is the most fun part, as well as a good time to consider safety. A properly cared for Christmas tree shouldn't be at risk of burning, as long as you use common sense when decorating it. For example:

• Check each strand of lights to make sure the lights are working properly.

  

• Make sure that the cable is securely attached and that it is not untied or torn from being bitten by a pet.

  

• Remove all dubious decorations, and replace them with new ones. Replacing tree decorations is inexpensive. Replacing a house is obviously expensive.

  

• Place small and fragile decorations out of the reach of small children and pets to prevent them from breaking or being swallowed.

  

Part 5 of 6: Caring for Trees

Step 1. Water the tree

At first, you should make sure the tree gets plenty of water because in the first few hours of adaptation, the tree needs and absorbs a lot of water (possibly as much as 4 liters on the first day). (Also read Tips below). After that, water needs to be added almost every day. Regular watering is not only good for the vitality of the tree, it also makes the tree wetter and, thus, stronger. Make sure the water level doesn't get below the base of the tree.

Some people add aspirin to the water to keep it fresh, while others also add ginger ale, Sprite™, or another similar fizzy drink (sparkling lemonade) to nourish the tree. However, be careful; if you accidentally bump into a drink can while watering the tree, the gifts under the tree can become very sticky

Step 2. Check for sap seepage

It's a good idea to check occasionally for sap seeping from the tree and dripping onto furniture or floor coverings around the tree. The earlier sap seepage is detected, the easier it is to clean.

Step 3. Collect the fallen pine leaves

Use a dustpan and a brush or a hand vacuum cleaner (too many pine needles can clog a large vacuum cleaner, and even damage the machine. A hand vacuum cleaner is better because it needs to be emptied frequently during use).

• This task should be done daily if you don't want to clear out a large pile of pine leaves when the tree is finally removed. Dropped pine leaves litter the room and are dangerous for pets or curious young children.

  

• A well-watered Christmas tree will shed only a few leaves, but all fresh trees will shed their leaves.

  

Part 6 of 6: Removing Trees

Step 1. Discard the Christmas tree as garden waste

The tree has given its life and really helps you create a Christmas atmosphere. If your local government has a tree collection program, take advantage of it. If there is free space in the garden, the tree can be kept there until spring, when the tree can be cut into pieces for mulch (or, if you live in an area where Christmas takes place in the summer, the tree can be cut as soon as the Christmas holiday season is over.).

Some people throw old and rotting Christmas trees into the lake. If you live in an area warm enough to do this, consider that a Christmas tree will make a healthy hiding place for fish and other aquatic animals. Check with local officials or forest rangers before throwing old trees into the lake

Tips

• Use LED decorative lights to minimize the temperature on the tree (and save energy too). Turn off lights when not in use to save energy and reduce the potential for fire.
• Do not use water that has been treated through a home water softener system. Water from a home water softener has a high sodium content, which actually shortens the life span of trees that have been cut down. If you can, use water from a tap that is not "downstream" of the water softener. Alternatively, use distilled or bottled water. However, bottled water can also have a sodium content (but is usually lower than water from a water softener).
• Never leave the house with the Christmas tree lights still on as there is a risk of catching fire. If you're away but a family member is coming to the house and you leave the Christmas tree lights on, have the neighbors check to make sure the tree isn't getting too hot.
• If you forget to water, the tree can dry out and lose its leaves. The only way to solve the problem is to cut the base of the tree another 2.5 cm and water it abundantly.
• Make sure the tree is away from heat sources, heaters, fireplaces, ovens, etc. because it can catch fire. Make sure the tree is well watered. Wipe the tree branch with your hand. If the leaves fall, it means that the water is lacking. Trees that lack water can burn quickly. So, make sure the tree is well watered and doesn't risk getting burned.

Warning

• Remember, never leave the Christmas tree lights on when no one is home or sleeping.
• Be careful when irrigating the tree as water and electricity are not a good combination.
• Never place flammable or heat generating objects near a Christmas tree. So, keep away from the tree things like candles, TVs, stereos, electric heaters, etc.
• Dogs and cats are notorious for knocking down Christmas trees and making a room a mess. If you have a dog, cat, or other pet in your home, avoid entering the room where the Christmas tree is. Or, take various precautions to keep the Christmas tree safe from the behavior of dogs or cats.
• Do not overload the electrical circuit more than its capacity.
• Do not put green fir trees in a tree chipper. The combination of sap and fir tree leaves can clog the engine making it difficult to clean.