Like many people, I like the scent and look of the original Christmas treeWhat I don’t like is the inevitable over-thinking that goes along with the person.
Am I watering it enough? Should I add anything to water? Is there anything else I can do to extend its indoor life? Usually, moment a some needles fall Then I start doubting my self-care methods. That’s right about now. I’m a “let’s leave it until after New Years” kind of girl, so this matter needed to be resolved quickly.
The bottom line? A Christmas tree is the largest houseplant I’ll keep all year, and considering the cost it’s a short-term investment, so I want to try to make it last as long as possible.
If you often resort to the Internet like I do in moments of curiosity, you will uncover all kinds of tricks and tips about what you can add to the water to help your tree flourish. I’ve seen every suggestion, from plain sugar to crushed aspirin.
However, this year is different. To get the definitive answer on what you should add to your tree water when it comes to what works and what doesn’t, I decided to skip all that self-research and go straight to a bona fide Christmas tree expert. Have done.
And what I found out surprised me.
meet the expert
Marsha Gray Is the Executive Director on the Real Christmas Tree Board.
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What really works?
“We do not recommend adding additional products to the water such as bleach, vinegar, sugar, aspirin or other products advertised as keeping your tree fresh,” says Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board.
In fact, she says these additives can actually be counterproductive by preventing your tree from retaining water and/or encouraging bacterial growth in your tree stand. His word of advice?
“Follow Mother Nature’s lead and just provide plain water!”
As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Instead, Gray recommends focusing on water maintenance and maintenance.
To ensure your tree gets the water it needs, Gray suggests cutting the stem to a fresh half-inch before placing it in a stand with water while the tree is at the farm or when you get home. This will also help clear out any resin accumulated in the trunk. The new cut keeps things flowing and allows your tree to drink water.
“Many people underestimate how much water a real Christmas tree actually takes drink,” she adds. “A Christmas tree can drink about a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Check the water level in your tree stand daily, don’t let the water level drop below the base of the trunk, and keep your tree away from heat sources. This will help ensure that your tree stays fresh longer.”
There you have it. Although it may be tempting to see what might happen, your tree will be happiest and freshest with plain old tap water.
