
Caring for Your Christmas Tree
If you choose a natural Christmas tree this holiday season, make sure you follow these quick tips to keep it looking green and beautiful.
Tree Care
- When moving a tree, never drag its trunk on the ground or set it on hot pavement.
- Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree (cut at least ½” upward from the base).
- Put tree in water within 2 hours of making cut.
- Use a tree stand that will hold at least 1 gallon of water and check water level every day.
- Keep trees away from major sources of heat and air (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight, fans and air conditioners).
- Make sure your stand fits the tree. Never shave the tree trunk to fit into a stand.
- When choosing lights, check to make sure they are certified for indoor use. Look for lights that carry the label of an independent testing laboratory.
- Replace any lights with worn cords or loose bulb connections. For screw-in bulbs, connect no more than three strands of lights or 50 bulbs. For LED strands, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never use real, lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights at night before bed or before leaving your home.
Outdoor Christmas Arrangements
- Avoid placing arrangements in direct sunlight.
- Add water to the foam in arrangements weekly, whenever outdoor temperatures are above freezing.
- Mist Christmas greens daily with water when temperatures are above freezing, in the early morning or late evening.