Wondering how long your Christmas tree will last?
These days,Christmas treescome in all shapes, sizes, and colorsfaux Barbie-pink trees, anyone?
Heres what you oughta know.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
Aside from quality, youll want to consider size.
double-check to measure your space before you buy.
Remember, your home has a ceiling, but the open-air Christmas tree does not.
Dont buy something too large for your space.
Not the most conducive growing conditions, right?
Thats why a real Christmas tree needs TLC if you expect it to last through the holiday.
But to promote proper absorption, youll need to prepare the trunk.
Do not be tempted to whittle the bottom of the trunk to fit the tree into the stand.
Watering
Christmas trees are thirsty.
They must be watered as soon as they arrive in your home.
Sunlight and heat will dry it out, but heat especially can cause a fire hazard.
Aim for a room temperature of between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Miniature lights are good, as are LED bulbs.
If any strands are worn out, replace them with a fresh set.
Safety Precautions
Always turn off your Christmas tree lights at bedtime or whenever you leave the house.
Keep your tree far away from direct heat sources.
A well-hydrated tree also helps uphold safety for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tree will let you know its thirsty in several ways.
However, most experts will tell you to skip them; plain water is best.
Add Water the Christmas tree to your daily to-do list.
The cut end of the tree should always be submerged in water to avoid drying out.
Always choose a stand with a large enough reservoir to hold an adequate amount of water for your tree.
