With the proper care, the perfect tree you
have selected will stay green and healthy throughout the holidays,
minimizing clean-up and maximizing the joy of your holiday. Here
are a few tips:
-
Make a fresh cut on the bottom
of the tree to 
open up the pores, which have been
clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. If you do not make
a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water.
-
After the cut is made, put the
tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when
the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put into water, the
less ability the tree has to absorb water.
-
Rinse water reservoir of the
tree stand with a mixture of one capful of bleach and one cup of
water before inserting the tree. This reduces the growth of
micro-organisms that can block the tree's ability to absorb water.
Be careful to avoid spilling or splashing the bleach on carpeting,
etc.
-
Place the tree in a sturdy
stand, which will hold at least one gallon of water after the tree
has been placed in it. Fill with plain water.
-
If the tree is not going into
the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of
warm water on a cool porch or patio away from wind and sun in warm
climates, and protected from freezing temperatures and wind in cold
climates.
-
An average tree may consume
between one quart and one gallon of water per day. If the water
level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no
more water will be absorbed by the tree unless another fresh cut is
made. So don't forget to add water every day.