If you've opted for a cut tree this Christmas, your main concern will be keeping it looking healthy and fresh throughout December by caring for your tree adequately. If you're wondering whether to put your Christmas tree in water, this is a valid question indeed.
With cut-varieties it's all about delaying the gradual degradation, and trying to maintain a lush green, fragrant spectacle for as long as possible.
But is putting your Christmas tree in water the way to offset this decline? The short answer is yes, and here's what the experts say on the right way to do it.
Watering your tree as soon as possible is crucial
How should I put my Christmas tree in water to keep it looking fresh?
Putting your chosen Christmas tree variety in water is key to maintaining the health, and therefore, the appearance of your tree.
These experts have shared the optimum ways to ensure yours gets all the hydration it needs.
Put it in water immediately
Choose a tree which has been cut as recently as possible
'Trees will drink a lot of water during the first few days in your home, and after that, the tree will level out and drink the water it needs to keep your Christmas tree alive,' says Greg Walsh, Christmas tree expert at Greg's Trees.
Therefore, put yours in water as soon as you get it home. The fresher the cut, the easier the tree will take up water. So when you choose a Christmas tree enquire as to how recently it was cut before you make your purchase.
If you are unsure on the date, Fern Berg, Plant & Gardening Expert at Tree Vitalize, recommends sawing a couple of inches off the base before putting it in water.
Greg Walsh has been in the tree business for over 30 years. Starting with a few friends, they brought their passion and love of Christmas to deliver beautiful Christmas trees to NYC.
Don't let the water run out
Water reservoir stands are easy ways to keep your trunk in contact with fresh water
'Cut trees last best when placed in a reservoir of water, so choose a tree stand that both anchors the tree and allows you to keep the tree hydrated,' says Fern Berg.
It's vital to keep your tree in water from the moment you bring a christmas tree home until the end of the festive period.
'It’s very important to not let the water dry out, because the tree protects itself when it’s not receiving nutrients by sealing itself and it may never open up to receive water again, which will fail to stop your Christmas tree from drooping,' explains Greg Walsh.
'Secure the tree in the stand and then add clean water to the reservoir up to the fill line. Check this reservoir daily and top up with fresh water to ensure the reservoir remains as full as possible,' says Greg.
Shop tree stands with water reservoirs
This can hold trees up to 9ft tall with trunks up to 6in in diameter. The water reservoir holds a decent 3.5 quarts of water.
This choice is perhaps not so sleek but setup is easy and the base can be hidden by gifts or a tree skirt. It can hold trees up to 8ft tall,
This option has a handy water-level indicator. So you know when to keep topping up. You secure your trunk in place using a foot pedal instead of screws.
Use warm water instead of cold
Stand your tree in water away from drying heat sources
'During my years as a florist, I learned that you should always water your Christmas tree with hot or warm water, as this will allow the tree to take up water faster and therefore stay better hydrated,' says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens.
'If you can, score some lines into the sawn off stump of the tree too, as this will also encourage better uptake into the trunk when you water a Christmas tree,' she says.
Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger.
Don't add anything to the water
Select a base for your tree which allows you to keep it in water at all times
'Some people will recommend using commercial tree preservatives, or DIY preparations such as sugar, cornstarch and bleach,' says Fern Berg.
'But research conducted by the forestry specialist, Jeffrey Owen, for North Carolina State University, concluded that these additives often aggravate needle loss and that plain, fresh water is the best option for your Christmas tree,' she says.
Fern is the founder of Tree Vitalize and has planted and currently cares for over 100 different native and exotic fruit, nut, and ornamental trees. She also cultivates an extensive vegetable garden, several flower gardens and cares for an ever-growing happy family of indoor plants.
FAQs
How soon should I put my Christmas tree in water?
Putting your cut tree in water will increase its longevity and keep it looking lush throughout the festive period. In order for it to be really effective, it's important you submerge it without delay when you get it home. Continue to keep it in a stand with a water reservoir and don't allow the water to run out completely.
Cut Christmas trees will last longer when they're placed in water. They should be kept freshly topped up with warm water to help them hydrate easier.
We suggest that the quicker the tree is placed in water after its been cut, the better. Therefore selecting a freshly cut tree will help greatly when it comes to keeping your Christmas decor looking spectacular for longer.
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