Best Practices in Caring for Your Ohio Christmas Tree:

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1.   Keep the tree in a cool, shady place like the garage or porch until ready to bring indoors to decorate.

2.   Saw a thin disk (1/2 to 1 inch) off the trunk prior to placing the tree in a water-holding stand.

3.   Make the cut perpendicular to the axis of the stem, NOT in a v-shape or at angles.  The tree will "drink" its water through the layers between the bark and the wood.  If you shave the bark off of the trunk the tree will not be able to absorb water.

4.   Place the tree in its water-holding stand within two hours after making a cut to the trunk.  When a tree is cut it will naturally form a seal of sap over its stump to keep moisture in the tree.  You must break the seal to allow the tree to once again "drink" the water needed to keep it fresh throughout the holidays.

5.   Your stand must be able to hold enough water for the size of the tree.  A good rule of thumb is a one-quart capacity for every inch of diameter of the trunk.

6.   Water temperature makes no difference.

7.   The most important thing is to maintain an adequate water level.  Consumers must decide if they want to use a product or substance in the tree's water, but the Ohio Christmas Tree Association does not endorse any additives.

8.   Check water levels often in the first few days.  A tree will absorb the most water after it is recently cut and placed in water.  It may drink as much as several quarts of water the first 24 hours the tree is in your house.  It is not unusual for the rate of water absorption to slow down as the Christmas season progresses.

9.   Make sure the tree is displayed in a place away from heat sources (registers, fireplaces, TV sets, and computers) and draft sources.  Always check electrical devices (lights and other decorations) before placing them on the tree.

10.   Fresh Christmas trees do not cause fires.  Unless required by local law, avoid spraying preservatives or fire retardants on the foliage of the tree.  Some of these commercially available products actually increase the rate of moisture loss and can change the appearance of a tree.  The most fire-retardant tree is one that is properly watered and cared for.

11.   Take a picture of your tree and post the picture on our Facebook page, The Farms at Pine Tree Barn.

 

Please take note that it is perfectly normal to have some needle loss on your Christmas Tree due to the tree baling process. Spruce trees do not retain their needles as long as Fir trees.