As a horticulturist, the question I inevitably get at this time of year is, “What is the trick to keeping a cut Christmas tree from drying out/last longer?” There is no trick to it.  Follow these suggestions and your tree should last well through the holiday.

  • Choose a Christmas tree that has firm needles that do not fall from branches when handling the tree. Individual needles should bend rather than snap if you pinch them between your fingers. Also, inspect the stump; the cut end of a fresher tree will be moist and may have some sticky sap on it yet.
  • When you get the tree home, cut 2 inches off the base of the trunk. Plunge the freshly cut stump into a bucket of water. Trees can absorb 1 gallon of water in the first 24 hours. Check the water level in your tree stand twice a day for the first week. Add water as needed. Each day, trees can drink roughly 1 quart of water for every inch of trunk diameter.
  • If your tree dries out, the wound likely healed over and stopped absorbing water. Make a fresh cut on the stump and it can absorb water again.
  • When decorating indoors, avoid placing fresh evergreens on wood surfaces. Sap from branches can damage the finish. Instead, place greenery on parchment, colorful felt, or fabric.
  • When Christmas is over, recycle your tree yourself: Cut off branches, and use as insulation over perennials. In Spring, chip or shred branches to create mulch. Cut the trunk for firewood. Season it this year to burn next Winter.

I want to wish all of Native Design’s residential and commercial customers Happy Holidays and thank you for a successful 2021.  Every best wish to you and yours for a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.

Tom Wolfgang
Certified Horticulturist
Native Designs Landscaping
nativedesignslandscaping.com