![]() ![]() Plus, the NFPA reports that nearly 1/5 of Christmas tree fires are caused by a tree being too close to a heat source. Sure, there's nothing more lovely than a beautifully decorated Christmas tree beside a roaring fireplace - but, along with frayed Christmas lights, candles, radiators, air ducts and stoves, a regularly used fireplace could contribute to your tree drying out at a much quicker pace. Keep the Christmas tree away from heat sources. Most experts agree that plenty of clean water is all you need to keep a tree fresh.ĮXPERT TIP: If you lower the temperature in the room, it can also help slow down the drying process (and therefore result in your tree requiring a bit less water), according to the National Christmas Tree Association.Ĥ. Just remember to check the water level daily and refill as needed - it should always cover the bottom two inches of the trunk.Įven though you've heard people talk about adding things like bleach, corn syrup, aspirin, and sugar to the water, we believe tree preservatives and additives are probably unnecessary. So how much water does your tree need? "Your stand should have a water reservoir that can hold one quart of water for every inch of the trunk's diameter," advises Rachel Rothman, the Good Housekeeping Institute's executive technical director. When you're ready to bring it inside, make another one-inch cut off the bottom of the trunk to help with water absorption. (Note that you should always store real trees in an unheated garage or area that's protected from wind and freezing temperatures.) When you get home, if you're not putting your tree up right away, place it in a bucket of water. This gets rid of any dried-over resin that might block the tree from absorbing water. When you purchase a Christmas tree, double-check that the seller makes a fresh cut straight across the base of the trunk to aid water absorption. Very few green needles should fall off (but it's fine if the tree loses a few brown ones).Ģ. Raise the tree a few inches, then drop the trunk into the ground.The needles should feel pliable and not fall off. Run a few branches through your hands.Select a tree displayed in a shady location.Look for a healthy, green tree with the least amount of brown needles. ![]() Keep these tips in mind as you hunt for you Christmas tree: Either way, it's essential to know how to choose the freshest possible Christmas tree. If you buy your tree from a garden store or roadside lot, it's likely that it came from out-of-state and has been exposed to drying winds in transit - meaning, it's going to have a much shorter shelf life than one that you've chopped down yourself at a local tree farm. Start with a healthy Christmas tree from a local farm. However, we suggest buying your Christmas tree during the first week of December to ensure you aren't left with a dried up, brittle tree come December 25.įollow our tips to keep your Christmas tree looking fresh long after it's cut.ġ. That means, if you decorate for Christmas in late November, your tree should easily survive beyond the holiday festivities. With proper care, most real Christmas trees should last at least five weeks or more. To keep your tree's sparkle alive for as long as possible indoors, the home care experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have rounded up our best tips for making sure that your tree is still looking fresh come Christmas morning. The adventure of heading to your local Christmas tree farm, picking out the perfect fir, pine or spruce, then bringing it home is half the fun - but the magic really begins once your tree is all dressed up for the holidays. If you celebrate Christmas, you know there's nothing like having a real Christmas tree in your home.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |