The annual holiday debate of real versus fake may never be solved. Although “team fake tree” has fewer worries when it comes to making sure their holiday displays look their best for the entire Christmas season, “team real tree” gets to enjoy the added benefits of that unmistakable pine smell.

With that wonderful seasonal scent, however, comes the added responsibility of maintaining the health of your tree. But if the thought of a little extra work doesn’t deter you, here are few helpful pointers.

Picking The Perfect Tree

If possible, buy a freshly-cut tree at a farm or shop at a lot that sells products from local farmers. Most Christmas trees are cut about three to four weeks before they arrive, so it’s important to do a thorough check of their branches and needles. 

Grab a branch between your thumb and forefinger and gently clampdown. Then, pull the tree towards yourself. If you end up with a handful of needles, the tree is already past its prime. You should also shake the tree. If the exterior needles fall off, it’s time to look for another one.

Preparing Your Tree

Before you bring the tree home, make sure you re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom. It’s crucial to do this before putting it in the stand; making a fresh cut re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water. The stand you choose should hold at least one gallon. 

Feeding Your Tree

Feeding your tree plain tap water is the best way to keep it hydrated. The actual amount a tree consumes varies, so be vigilant in the first few days and make sure to refill it when the stand gets low. It’s not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water on the first day. Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, or the stem could reseal, and the tree will be unable to drink. 

Maintaining Your Tree

Finally, make sure your tree is in a location away from heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces or televisions. The heat can speed up the moisture loss of your Christmas tree and cause it to die faster. 

Did you know, 25 to 30 million live trees are harvested annually in farms across the United States?

At Mission Landscape, we are the experts in commercial landscape maintenance, tree care, water management, mulch and green waste recycling, landscape architecture, and landscape construction. We serve a multitude of areas in California, including: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Sacramento County, and Imperial County.