- Nothing could spoil the spirit of Christmas quite a fresh tree that dies and turns into a decorating disaster. Experts say if you want to avoid fresh tree failure this holiday season, follow these tree shopping tips.
- Never buy a Christmas tree if it feels too light when you pick it up. A light tree could mean that this year's high temps and droughts prevented it from absorbing the water it needs to make it through Christmas.
- Look for soft, pliable outer branches of the tree without too many needles coming loose when touched. If more than a few needles fall off, move on to the next tree.
- Water your tree immediately after its cut. Jane Neubauer, co-owner of Sugar Pines Farm in Chesterland, Ohio, says "Sap from the trunk rushes to the bottom of the tree when it's cut and seals it up. When that happens, the tree isn't as able to absorb water. Add a fresh cut at the bottom right before you place it in water, and try to put up your Christmas tree the same day you bring it home."
- Keep your tree well-watered the first two weeks you bring it home. Give it one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter
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