Fresh Christmas trees are a holiday tradition and are cherished for their beauty and refreshing scent. But when disastrous fires happen during the holidays, Christmas trees are often held responsible. Keeping the tree well-hydrated is the best approach to stopping Christmas tree fires. A tree should stay fresh for two to three weeks with appropriate maintenance. This may seem simple, but it becomes an issue if your Christmas tree is not drinking water.
Reasons a Christmas tree Does not Take Up Water
Christmas trees often have trouble absorbing water since we frequently add things to the water or the tree. Avoid products claimed to keep your tree fresh, such as spray-on fire retardants. Similarly, bleach, aspirin, sugar, lime soda, copper pennies, and vodka have little to no impact, and in rare cases, they may even decrease water retention and promote moisture loss.
What works best? Ordinary tap water Keep a pitcher or watering can sit beside the tree as a reminder if you tend to forget things.
The Best Way to Make a Christmas Tree Drink Water
The secret to keeping a tree fresh is to remove a little slice from the bottom of the trunk. Remember that you do not need to cut the trunk if the tree was just trimmed. However, you must remove 14 to 12 inches (6 to 13 mm) from the bottom of the trunk if the tree has been cut for more than 12 hours before you submerge it in water.
This is due to the trunk’s bottom’s inability to absorb water after a few hours when it closes with sap. Avoid cutting at an angle; doing so makes it more difficult for the tree to absorb water. Instead, cut straight across. Additionally, it is difficult to make a tree with an angled cut stand straight. Do not also make a hole in the trunk. It is ineffective.
A big stand is also necessary since a Christmas tree may use up to 0.9 liters of water for every inch (2.5 cm) of stem diameter. The National Christmas Tree Association advises using a stand that can hold one gallon (3.8 L). Never cut the bark to make room for an excessively tight stand. The tree’s bark aids in water absorption.
Tips for Watering a Christmas Tree
First, put up a brand-new Christmas tree. Even if you cut the bottom, a dried-out tree cannot be hydrated. If unsure about a branch’s freshness, carefully draw it between your fingers. A few brittle or loose needles are not a cause for alarm, but if there are many of them, search for a fresher tree.
Put the Christmas tree in a pail of cold water and keep it in a cool, shaded area if you are not ready to bring it inside yet. Two days should be the maximum storage period.
It is normal for a newly cut tree to take a few days to absorb water, so do not be concerned if yours doesn’t. The amount of water used by a Christmas tree varies on several variables, including room temperature and tree size.