How to care for your Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
Since you cut your own balsam fir christmas tree. You know that you have a fresh cut tree that will last throughout the season, if you take care of it.
It is important that your tree always be kept watered and not allowed to dry out.
Humidity, Temperature and Wind affect how fast your tree will dry out.
Your fresh cut tree should be placed in water within several hours of being cut, to prevent having to re cut the stem.
If the sap dry's out and seals the bottom of the tree, it will prevent the tree from absorbing more water.
This is why with all precut trees, you must cut about a one inch slice off the bottom of the tree,
before placing in the stand at home.
When you get home with your tree place it in a bucket of water if you are not setting it up immediately.
Your tree is going to drink a lot of water the first week. A tree with a four inch trunk will drink a gallon of water a day.
Make sure that the water level does not drop below the bottom of the tree.
Some christmas tree stands have small water reservoirs, and must be watered several times a day.
We use 100% water and do not recommend additives be mixed with the water.
Don't let Your christmas tree dry out !
If your tree does become dried out, it will not be able to adequately absorb moisture, and it will shed its needles prematurely. If this happens, take the tree down and cut about a one inch slice off the bottom of the trunk. Then replace the tree in the stand and add more water. This can be a big job if you have a large, highly decorated tree. But it is the only way to prevent early needle loss.
Some areas of your home may be better than others, to place the tree.
Locate your tree away from fireplaces, wood stoves, heating vents and strong drafts.
This will lessen the danger of fire and slow down the drying of the tree.
If you have children and pets, you may want to place your tree in a corner or against a wall, to prevent it from being knocked over.
Check all electrical cords each year before use.
Miniature lights produce less heat than larger ones.
And never use real candles on your tree.
After Christmas it is a good idea to recycle your tree.
Most recycling centers grind up trees into mulch, to use for landscaping.
In this way the tree goes back to the earth from which it came.
Most areas have scheduled pickups and designated drop off locations.
You can also look up recycling locations in your area at
Earth 911: recycling centers