Christmas Tree Selection

When choosing your tree and checking for freshness, insure that an abundance of green needles do not fall from the tree when shaken. The tree should look healthy and smell fresh. Take a needle between your fingers. It should snap like a fresh carrot.

Tree Setup and Care

One of the most important things to do is to cut 1/2" off the base of the tree just before putting it in water. When a tree is cut, if left for more than several hours without water, the tree will form a seal of sap around the base and which makes it almost impossible for the tree to take in water.

If you do not intend on bringing your tree in as soon as you get it, if possible, cut the base and store in a bucket of water in a cool place, out of the sun and wind.

Do not let your tree run out of water. One of the biggest problems is that once people put their tree into water, they don't check it until the next day or so. The problem is that most people have very small water reservoirs for their trees and a tree will drink 65% of its water in the first week. A good rule of thumb is that for every 1" of diameter, a tree will use a quart of water per day. For example, a 4" diameter tree will use 1 gallon of water per day for the first several days.

We recommend using a stand with at least a 1 quart reservoir for every inch of trunk diameter; so, for example, a 6" diameter trunk should be placed in at least a 6 quart reservoir. We recommend using a stand with at least a 1 quart reservoir for every inch of trunk diameter; so, for example, a 6" diameter trunk should be placed in at least a 6 quart reservoir. And our Cinco and Gunnard stands fit that criterion nicely.

Tree Safety

• Do not put your tree over or near a direct heat source or over the cold air return or forced hot air as it will draw moisture away from the tree.
• Check all electrical cords and lighting. Discard any that are frayed or damaged. Do not use damaged lighting or cords on real or artificial trees.
• Do not use real candles on trees. Also, we do not recommend candles to be used on brush or greenery.

The safest tree is a fresh tree and the very best way to keep your tree fresh is to provide plenty of water to the fresh cut tree daily. In other words, WATER, WATER, AND WATER MORE!