How to Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh Longer

Now here’s a tip that’ll keep your tree fresh throughout the holiday. Before bringing it indoors cut about an inch of the trunk. Then place the tree in warm water and give it a chance to take a long drink. Choose a tree stand with a large reservoir and check the water level often. Cut trees can soak up as much as a gallon of water a day.

Click here to see how an overly dry Christmas can turn into a raging infrerno in seconds.

21Comments

Thanks jmoynahah, Could not have said it better. Keep up the great work Ron! I use your ideas all the time.

brunellerm

Dec 9, at 9:52am

21Comments

This is a Great tip along with some of the posting too...

Ernie White

Dec 9, at 3:01am

21Comments

I agree with Ron do as he says and ur tree will look good

CHRIS SIATTA

Dec 15, at 8:43pm

21Comments

I like to add a little Seagrams with the 7-up. It seems to brighten everything up!

Bleek

Nov 30, at 9:06pm

21Comments

To the water add Kayro syrup, liquid plant food, one aspirin three copper pennies and a little bit of dish liquid. Use the "air line " found at any pet shop in the fish dept.. This line can be used to draw the now Christmas tree tonic from a container located near the base of the tree and syphens to the tree stand. This works like an automatic waterer .

Tom Champagne

Nov 30, at 5:05pm

21Comments

Love all your great tips, Ron. Keep up the fantastic work!

Bob Niebur

Nov 30, at 12:08pm

21Comments

It is always great to be "refreshed". The tips submitted have been around for years, but if the generation's stop passing them on where would we be? I have used coal and charcoal in my water reservoir for my tree. I am not sure where I heard that trick but it has worked for many years. Keep up the great work Ron.

Charlie

Nov 30, at 8:43am

21Comments

Ron, Nice tips. I cut the trunk off at a slight angle so it doesn't sit flat in the stand and block the water; plus I add green food coloring to the water. Haven't tried the 7up or sugar. I'll try that this year. Merry Christmas!

Nov 29, at 10:40pm

21Comments

Love the show! Need some help with my place. Gee where should I start? lol

Scott

Nov 29, at 9:23pm

21Comments

Good info about the tree, Are you doing any new shows, or have you retired? I watch you every weekend, and I have seen them all several times. Have a Nice Christmas.

Bruce

Nov 29, at 5:19pm

21Comments

Well, if you buy an artificial tree, a person wouldn't have to do that at all. Plus it saves the trees!

Randy

Nov 29, at 5:01pm

21Comments

Be as smart as Ron to keep the other thumb away from that saw. I was stupid and sawed my skin and more once upon a time. Raw aloe leaves covered my 1st knuckle. I saved my "extra" thumb. See a doctor if you can afford it. I did not. Got lucky.

Keri M. Parrot

Nov 29, at 3:35pm

21Comments

Love the tree and the train.

Michael Lambert

Nov 29, at 3:22pm

21Comments

I AM NOT AN EXPERT ......... BUT ; 1 . As I understand it , water is transported up from the base to the tips ONLY by the living layer ( the last year's growth , which is the last outer ring , ) , all layers , or rings below that are dead . Drilling holes into the dead wood would do no good , and drilling holes from the bottom , or even worse , from the side into that LIVING layer would only disrupt the that capillary action . The cutting off of 1 inch for a fresh cut tree , or a bit more for a tree harvested some time back , leaves a nice smooth end to facilitate the absorption of water . Using 7 up , ( NOT diet of course ) , or a small amount of water MAY help , but it would also , of course , provide a nice place for the growth of molds , mildews , bacterias , viruses , etc., Etc., ETC. ! Your local American owned hardware stores , Lowes , Home Depots , Florists , Etc., probably sell powders to add to water for cut flowers . ( Buy a LARGE size , a tree uses VASTLY more than a cut flower or bouquet would . ) According to Jerry Baker " America's Master Gardener " ( who IS an expert ) ; Q: How can I keep my Christmas tree looking green and healthy for as long as possible? A: There's nothing like a fresh, great-smellin' Christmas tree to really spread that holiday cheer. To make your tree as beautiful and long-lasting as possible, when you get your tree home, cut 1" off the bottom of the trunk to remove the dried sap. Then mix up 2 cups of clear corn syrup, 2 tbsp. of bleach, and 4 multivitamin tablets + iron in a bucket of very warm water. Set the trunk in the bucket, and let it soak overnight. Finally, before bringing your tree inside, spray it with an anti-transpirant to help it retain its moisture through the holidays. And be sure to keep your tree watered at all times. http://www.jerrybaker.net/Garden/Information/TipsAndTonics.aspx ( Mix WELL , until all is melted together before adding the tree . ) You may notice that he indicates all that stuff is in that bucket OUTSIDE . Not sure if he indicates anything added to the water once that tree comes IN the house . As a person related to people with respiratory problems , I am not intentionally going to be providing a growth medium for molds , mildews , bacterias , viruses , etc., in MY house ! Sincerely , Alec .

camper33

Nov 29, at 2:53pm

21Comments

I watched the video and found it useful; but I wish it had more. I find the a mix of sugar in the water helps the tree to stay healthy. I never heard of 7 up but I guess its the same concept. The sugar acts as a plant food for the tree.

Richard

Nov 29, at 1:33pm

21Comments

how does 7 up help?

mel

Nov 29, at 1:00pm

21Comments

Thanks Ted, you blowhard. Didn't know you had a tv show too. For how many years?

jmoynahah

Nov 29, at 1:00pm

21Comments

I have heard that 7up is a good thing to add to the water. I like the idea of drilling holes to assist with water uptake. Also i would take up to 3 inches off the bottom..Ron has great ideas but often comes up just a bit off or lacking in all info

ted

Nov 29, at 12:33pm

21Comments

Great tip, never knew of the warm water initial drink. thanks dean

dean

Nov 29, at 12:26pm

21Comments

I ALSO DRILL 6 TO 8 1/4 HOLES IN THE END TO HELP IT ABSORB WATER.

william converse

Nov 29, at 12:26pm

21Comments

Good tips, thanks. And loved the train!

Larry Buck

Nov 29, at 12:15pm

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How to Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh Longer