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The_Jazz · 10-17-2006, 10:33 AM

Hints for keeping a cut tree alive longer:

When you bring it in the house, do it gradually if possible. Start out somewhere slightly warmer than the outside temperature (or at least protected from the wind). Keep it there for 3 or 4 days. Then move it into a cold part of the house (basement, etc.) for a few days then into it's final location. Trees need to adjust to the temperature.

As soon as possible after cutting (if you're doing it yourself), put a damp cloth or paper towel on the base to continue the sap flowing. If you're buying a cut tree, have them cut the bottom inch or two off the base, then put the cloth on. Make sure to tie it securely for the trip home.

For the first watering, use warm water and either powdered sugar, corn syrup or "flower food" (comes in packets with floral bouquets). Make sure that it is disolved well. Warm means 80-85 degrees.

Do not under any circumstances let the tree run dry, especially if you bought it pre-cut. If you cut it yourself, dry won't cause immediate problems, but a dry pre-cut tree will almost immediately start to shed needles.

Different species have different shedding habits. Scotch pine tend to hold their needles better, but balsam shed quickly.

Personally, I prefer live (ball and burlap) trees that I can replant in the spring. Keeping them alive in the garage afterwards (my garage has several south-facing windows that get lots of light) isn't much of a challenge, and we've added several trees to the parkway in front and our back yard. This year's may get donated to the neighborhood garden.

There's also a strict rule in my house (imposed by me) that Christmas decorations and music aren't allowed until all the Thanksgiving dishes are done. Without that rule, I'd already be having a "Holley Jolley Christmas" before Halloweeen.

10-17-2006, 10:33 AM	#15 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Hints for keeping a cut tree alive longer: When you bring it in the house, do it gradually if possible. Start out somewhere slightly warmer than the outside temperature (or at least protected from the wind). Keep it there for 3 or 4 days. Then move it into a cold part of the house (basement, etc.) for a few days then into it's final location. Trees need to adjust to the temperature. As soon as possible after cutting (if you're doing it yourself), put a damp cloth or paper towel on the base to continue the sap flowing. If you're buying a cut tree, have them cut the bottom inch or two off the base, then put the cloth on. Make sure to tie it securely for the trip home. For the first watering, use warm water and either powdered sugar, corn syrup or "flower food" (comes in packets with floral bouquets). Make sure that it is disolved well. Warm means 80-85 degrees. Do not under any circumstances let the tree run dry, especially if you bought it pre-cut. If you cut it yourself, dry won't cause immediate problems, but a dry pre-cut tree will almost immediately start to shed needles. Different species have different shedding habits. Scotch pine tend to hold their needles better, but balsam shed quickly. Personally, I prefer live (ball and burlap) trees that I can replant in the spring. Keeping them alive in the garage afterwards (my garage has several south-facing windows that get lots of light) isn't much of a challenge, and we've added several trees to the parkway in front and our back yard. This year's may get donated to the neighborhood garden. There's also a strict rule in my house (imposed by me) that Christmas decorations and music aren't allowed until all the Thanksgiving dishes are done. Without that rule, I'd already be having a "Holley Jolley Christmas" before Halloweeen. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo