How to Have A Fresh Cut Tree
There truly is nothing quite as lovely as a well-decorated real Christmas tree. It is a beautiful way to put a traditional spin on the holiday season. Now if you’ve always had an artificial tree you might not know where to start when considering a real one. And, if you’ve found in the past that your real Christmas tree hasn’t lasted quite as long as expected, you may want to try using these tips for a longer-lasting tree. With a few key steps, you can enjoy a fresh-cut tree without any trouble.
Also, the benefits of choosing a fresh Christmas tree are huge. From environmental considerations to the wonderfully natural fragrance that fills the room, a real Christmas tree will bring joy to your home. You may make this a new family holiday tradition.
As with many things in life, preparation is best – so here are some key steps to follow to make that perfect tree last until Christmas and longer if you like.
SELECT “YOUR” TREE
Christmas trees come in a variety of species. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your tree remains healthy is to pick the right one.
Some trees, like the Norway Spruce, shouldn’t be bought too early. This traditional tree certainly looks the part and is a fine choice for those who prefer to put their tree up a little later.
On the other hand, tree varieties such as the Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir are renowned for excellent needle retention and will keep their foliage for weeks. Perfect if you like to have your tree up nice and early.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT SPOT
Choosing the right spot for your Christmas tree is essential. While you may have a preferred spot in the living room where your tree has always been, this may not provide the ideal conditions for your fresh tree. Here are three things to consider:
1. Power
Ideally, you’ll want to place your tree close to a power socket for the lights. Of course, you can use an extension cable if required. If you go down this route, ensure the cable is tucked in towards the skirting to avoid it becoming a trip hazard. Avoid running the cable underneath a rug, as you won’t be able to spot any damage that might become a hazard.
Be mindful not to overload electrical sockets as this could prove dangerous and cause a fire.
2. Temperature
Christmas trees survive best when the temperature is around 16-18º. Basically, the coolest part of the room is best, and if there’s a window close by, then even better – but be careful of direct sunlight, especially in hot rooms. If all else fails, close the curtains when the sun is at its highest to prevent needles from dropping.
Take care to place your tree as far as possible away from heat sources, such as the fireplace, wood stove or radiator/heater. Otherwise, the tree will dry out faster, start drooping and die sooner.
3. Water
Real Christmas trees need watering frequently. And by that, we mean at least once a day. When choosing the perfect spot for your tree, ensure you can easily access the tree stand to top up water levels whenever needed.
Keep your Christmas tree well hydrated by making sure the tree stand always has a supply of fresh water that covers the bottom of the trunk by at least a couple of inches.
LIGHTS PLEASE
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are always best for a real Christmas tree. Modern LEDs don’t produce much heat and are generally cool to the touch. Not only is this good news for preventing needles from drying out, but it also reduces the risk of fire breaking out. As a bonus, LED lights are incredibly inexpensive to run and last for years.
• Always turn the lights off before leaving the house and when you go to bed at night.
• For obvious reasons, we would never recommend lighting real candles on Christmas trees.
BUY A GREAT STAND
A Christmas tree stand is an essential accessory to hold water for your tree and to keep the tree stable and secure.
They are generally easy to use and are available in plastic or metal options. A decent tree stand will keep your Christmas tree straight and prevent it from falling over. It also holds the water that is vital for your tree’s freshness.
Make sure you purchase the right size of tree stand for your chosen Christmas tree. One that’s too small will need the water replenished several times a day. On the other hand, pick one that’s too big, and your tree might end up a bit wobbly.
NOW YOUR TREE IS HOME
1. Cut the tree
When trees are cut, dried sap forms a protective barrier to heal the wound. Trim around an inch off the base of the trunk to aid water absorption.
Be careful not to peel away any bark from the side of the trunk, as this will slow down the amount of water your tree takes in. Those outer layers soak up the most water. Removing them will impede the tree’s ability to stay hydrated.
When sawing the base of the tree, use a straight cut rather than a slanted cut. This will help water uptake and keep your tree hydrated.
2. Soak the tree
Once your tree has been cut and is ready to absorb water, let it do so for a while. When your tree gets home, stand it in a large bucket of cold water immediately.
A freshly cut tree can absorb up to 4 litres of water on the first day (thankfully this goes down to approximately 1 litre per day once the tree is settled) so give it some time to recover from its journey with a long drink before putting it in place.
Also, be mindful of any pets who may drink from the stand. Stick to plain old tap water and your tree will be just fine.
3. Secure the tree
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot and your tree is ready to bring inside, you’ll need to set up the tree stand. It’s easiest to get your tree secured in the stand before adding any water. We recommend placing a covering or protective layer on the floor underneath. This helps prevent water spillages from damaging the floor and stops the tree from sliding around on wooden or tiled flooring. Bath mats work well and catch any fallen needles too.
Securing the Christmas tree in position is usually a two-person job so make sure you’re not home alone when you set it up. Having someone handy to hold the tree steady while you attach the tree stand will make the job much easier!
Avoid standing your tree up in soil or sand. These substances will soak up the moisture and minimize the tree’s water uptake.
LET IT SETTLE
Once your Christmas tree is up and secured into its position, leave it for a couple of hours to ‘settle’ before decorating. This will give you a chance to make sure the tree remains upright and straight. It also affords the branches and needles time to open up into their natural shape.
DECORATE
Finally, it’s time to make that tree beautiful. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a wonderfully decorated tree. And a real Christmas tree makes a stunning focal point for your decorations. Whether you prefer an understated minimalist look or a bright, exuberant display, a live tree will show off the decorations perfectly.
Now that you’re prepared… here are some local places to pick up your real tree in the lower mainland:
Harris Road Christmas Tree Farm
13533 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows
604.460.9500
Alouette Tree Farm
23083 132 Ave, Maple Ridge
604.467.0100
Christmas Tree Outlet
24162 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge
604.788.8959
Riley Tree Farm
21998 100 Ave, Langley
604.220.7866
Alder Acres Christmas Trees
8249 252 St, Langley
604.888.4483