Keep Your Christmas Tree Safe, and Green, All Season Long

Decorating fresh cut trees is a beautiful Christmas tradition. Before you place your first ornament or strand of lights, remember there are a few basic steps required to care for your tree. These care tips will keep your tree healthy and home safe throughout the holiday season:

1. Place the tree in water as soon as possible. You should take your tree straight home. Once home use a hand-saw to make a fresh cut. The cut should be about an inch off the bottom at a slight angle to aid water absorption. As a general rule, you should provide 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter.

2. Keep your tree away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

3. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

4. Do not use additives in the water such as floral preservatives or aspirin. Clean water is the best way to maintain freshness.

5. Use of miniature lights will produce less heat and reduce drying of the tree.

6. Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.

7. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.

8. To recycle your tree after the holidays, go to www.earth911.org and type in your zip code to find a recycling program near you.