TREE CARE TIPS

Despite what you may have heard, there's really no "secret formula" to Christmas tree care. Following a few common-sense steps can keep your tree fresh through the holidays.

• A traditional reservoir Christmas Tree stand, kept filled consistently with plain water, is the best way to keep your tree fresh and minimize loss of needles.
• Choose a stand that holds about one quart of water per inch of stem diameter and that easily fits your tree. Avoid whittling down the trunk to fit a stand, because this will reduce your tree's ability to absorb water.
• When you bring your fresh cut christmas tree home, cut off a straight, clean disk of wood about ½-inch thick from the bottom of the trunk. This new, fresh cut will increase your tree's ability to absorb water. Be sure not to wait more than six to eight hours after cutting the trunk to submerge it in water.
• If you need to store your tree for a few days before setting it up for display, store it in a cool area, and submerge the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water.
• Display your fresh cut christmas tree in a location away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, or direct sunlight. Also consider lowering the room temperature to reduce the tree's daily water use and slow the drying process.
• When placed in the reservoir stand, the base of your tree should be fully submerged in water. Check the water level daily to ensure that the base remains fully submerged.

The above is based on information from the National Christmas Tree Association. For comprehensive fresh cut christmas tree care guidelines, please see their Website at http://www.christmastree.org/care.cfm.