
Ashleigh Smith

After Purchasing A Real Christmas Tree:
- Wrap your tree with a tarp to prevent damage while being transported. This will also protect your vehicle from getting sap on it.
- Immediately after getting home give the trunk a fresh cut about an inch from the bottom. This will give it better water intake.
- Place the tree in a protected, but unheated environment such as a garage or basement for the night to help it adjust to an indoor environment. This will reduce needle drop over time. Make sure it is in water during this time.
- Give the trunk another fresh cut, just as you did before.
- Place the tree in its final display location with plenty of water and decorate.
- When you are ready to take your tree down, use it for mulching, compost, or find a local green recycling center.
Water Recommendations:
Christmas trees need a lot of water! You will want to make sure your tree stand has the capacity to hold at least a gallon or more. When you first get it set up, the tree will take in more water as it adjusts from the shock of being moved. This is one of the reasons a fresh cut to the trunk is so important.
The resin will clog up the tree’s vesicles as it settles to the location of the last cut reducing the time you can get out of your tree. A fresh cut opens up the vesicles to take in water, which should be supplied as soon as possible.
Be sure to check the water level a couple of times a day for the first 2-3 days. After that you will need to check it daily. You might have heard of some recommendations to add things like sugar or lemon juice to your water. Don’t do this. Christmas trees just need plain tap water to get the most life out of them.
Be careful to keep your tree away from main heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, and vents. The heat sources for your house will cause the tree to dry out quickly making your tree drop needles faster while becoming a greater fire hazard.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
Celebrate Earth Day with 10% Off - 48 Hours Only
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with 10% off SITEWIDE with code “EARTH25” Offer only valid for 48 hours - 9 A.M. 4/23/2025 through 9 A.M. 4/25/2025 MDT Save on your last-minute spring garden needs! Seeds, supplies, and more! This deal won’t last long. What is...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-04-232 min read0Living on the Edge: 10+ Edible Plants for Landscape Borders
Written By Lara Wadsworth Why settle for pretty when your garden and landscape borders can be tasty too? If you’ve ever met me, you know that I love beautiful plants that are also utilitanian. Plants that feed the soil, feed me, or promote pollinators ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-04-237 min read0Growing Microgreens at Home: A Beginner's Experience
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens seem to be used at every gourmet restaurant, are being talked about in every health magazine, and are having more and more scientific research released about the purported health benefits of these little plants. Wh...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-04-1510 min read0How to Harden Off Seedlings in 5 Easy Steps
Written By Lara Wadsworth Hardening off is the process of gradually exposing your seedlings to new outdoor conditions to help them adjust without experiencing transplant shock. This is when a seedling becomes delayed, stunted, or even dies after being ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-04-156 min read4