Tree Care

Real Trees Need Real Good Care

1. At home, set your tree up in a stand with adequate water holding capacity as soon as possible. Most species can go 6-8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water without having to re-cut the stump. If it is longer than that, make a fresh cut straight across the bottom to remove a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. No additives are needed in the water. Never shave off the bark layer which is where the drinking occurs.
2. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored in a cool location such as the garage. Place the freshly cut tree trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water. An average 6 foot tree can drink as much as 1 gallon per day!
3. Set your tree up away from heat sources that can dry it out, such as fireplaces, stoves, heat vents, or sunny windows.
4. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. Some stands can still hold water even though the tree is no longer sitting in the water.
5. Inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace it with a new set. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as minature lights, will reduce the drying of the tree.

How To Cut A Christmas Tree

Cutting a tree is easiest as a two person project. The cutter usually lies on the ground while the helper holds the bottom limbs up. As the cut is being made, the helper should tug lightly on the tree to ensure that the saw cut remains open so that the saw does not bind. The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite of the cut.