How To Care For A Christmas Tree 12 Steps With Pictures

If you’ll be using lights to decorate your tree, place the tree close to an outlet. If this isn’t possible, you’ll need to use an extension cord. Be sure that if you use an extension cord, it runs along to wall and doesn’t create a trip hazard. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/2/25/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-3Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/2/25/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/aid73603-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-3Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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If you have a skirt that goes over the cradle, you can still place a barrier underneath the cradle and apply the decorative skirt after the tree has been mounted. Not only does this make the tree more presentable but it prevents pets from attempting or wanting to drink the water in the base.

Note: It is recommended that you don’t cut the base at an angle, in a V-shape or drill a hole in the base. None of these methods help water absorption and they may make it more difficult to hold the tree safely in the stand. DO NOT cut the tree with a reciprocating saw or any blade that moves so fast that it will create friction. If the cut gets hot enough, the sap in the tree will seal the end and make water absorption impossible. A chainsaw or manual saw will work.

Note: ensure that whatever you use, the tree is stable. Don’t whittle down the bark of the tree just so that it can fit in the stand - that outer layer is the part that absorbs the most water.

Before decorating let the tree sit for a while to “settle” into its shape. Some suggest just an hour or so, others overnight.

Some people put an aspirin in the water to help keep it fresh. Some also add Ginger Ale, Sprite™ or another similar soda drink (fizzy lemonade) to feed their tree. Be careful, though; if you accidentally bump the can whilst watering the tree, you might end up with very sticky presents!

This is a daily ritual, unless you want to have an enormous pile of needles to clean up when you finally move the tree. The needles are unsightly and potentially hazardous for curious pets and infants. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/61/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/61/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/aid73603-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} A well-watered tree will lose fewer needles but all fresh trees will lose some needles. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/62/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/62/Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet2. jpg/aid73603-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Christmas-Tree-Step-11Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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Some people choose to dispose of their old and decaying Christmas trees in lakes. If you live in an area warm enough to do this, consider that a Christmas tree would provide a healthy hiding place for fish and other underwater critters. Check with local officials or park rangers before depositing old trees into lakes.