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gilly
Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject: Taking care of your live tree |
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What are the very best suggestions for taking care of your freshly cut Christmas tree once you have chosen the best of the best and taken it home?  |
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Dave
Joined: 22 Oct 2007
Posts: 162
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:18 pm Post subject: |
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I just keep mine watered & try not to set it on fire.
Trim off at least 1/2" from the truck just before you put in in the holder.
I have heard things like sugar, etc but have never done it. |
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Me!!!!!!!!
Joined: 22 Oct 2007
Posts: 305
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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I add an asprin and I do not recommend getting them "bagged" I have had bad luck with mine after I got it bags..It loss needles like c razy even watered it daily.
Nothing beats the smell of a fresh tree! |
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Coppy
Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 2569
Location: Chambersburg
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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I heard they add 7-up and baby aspirin to the trees at the Rose Bowl parade to keep them looking fresh. I have no idea if this is true or if it even does anything.
Instead, I did quick Google search on caring for a live tree (I have used a fake tree for the past several years and will not go back to the live variety) and this is what I came up with from a legitimate forestry expert:
| Quote: | 1. Refresh the tree by making a straight cut, taking one inch off the butt and immediately place in water. This will improve water uptake (See Tip 1).
2. Place the tree in a stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water. You should expect the tree to take up additional water. Water the new tree until water uptake stops.
3. Always keep the base of a tree in water. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. You don't need anything other than regular tap water - drying out deters future water uptake and will need a new cut. Commercially prepared mixes like aspirin, sugar and other additives introduce into the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.
4. Check for worn Christmas tree light electrical cords and always unplug at night. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Using miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree or any chance of fire.
5. Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for (using the first five steps) should last at least five weeks before drying out. Some species keep their moisture longer that others.
Tips:
1. Cutting a refresh cookie off the tree base is important only when trees have been cut for over 4 hours.
2. For easier watering, buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot tube. Slip the tube over the funnel outlet, extend tubing down into the tree stand and water without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt. Hide this system in an out-of-the-way part of the tree. |
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