DETROIT – Millions of Americans love the look, feel, and smell of a real Christmas tree in their home during the holiday season.
Whether you’re a first-time tree buyer or it’s been a tradition in your family for years, Local 4 wanted to gather some intel on the best ways to select a tree and make it last longer.
Recently, Local 4 News talked with Ray Blake, the assistant farm manager at Blake’s Lyon Township. He shared his list of the do’s and don’ts of selecting a Christmas tree and how to care for it once you get it home.
We’ve also done research to bring you some advice that might help make your holiday season a little bit brighter and safer.
Before you shop
Before you even leave the house to start shopping, check your tree stand. You’ll want to make sure your tree and stand are a perfect fit.
Experts say you should avoid whittling down a tree trunk to force it into a stand. The tree’s water vessels are located just beneath the bark. So, if they are severed the tree will quickly dry out.
Selecting a tree
When you head to the Christmas tree lot, one of the first things you’ll want to do is search for the freshest tree you can find. Blake tells us you can check for freshness by running your hands through the branches. Needles should not fall off and the branches should be pliable, not brittle.
Other experts also remind us it’s never a good idea to buy a tree if the seller won’t unwrap it so you can examine its freshness.
Once you’re home
When you get the tree home, if you’re not setting your tree up right away, be sure to store it in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot or an unheated garage.
Make a fresh cut at the bottom of the tree when you’re ready to place it in the stand. The base of the trunk can become sealed by dried sap which blocks water absorption. Blake says you should saw about a half-inch off the bottom before placing the tree in the stand to make sure it can absorb water.
Be sure to place your tree away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents.
Check the water levels daily and refill as needed. Blake says a tree can drink a lot of water, especially in the first few days.
Blake also suggests you avoid any supplements in the water. In his opinion, additives like aspirin or sugar are unnecessary and can be harmful.
Be very careful to avoid letting the water level drop to zero. Once again, you run the risk of the tree forming a seal, and then it will no longer be able to absorb water.
Keep checking for freshness
As time goes by, keep checking your tree for freshness. Some needle loss is normal, but if the tree starts dropping many needs and the branches become brittle, it has dried out. At that point, it’s safest to remove the tree from the house to prevent a fire hazard.