Expert explains how to keep Christmas tree bright and green for longer by making it shorter
While many households have switched to artificial trees to ensure they’ll be festive and green throughout the holidays, people with live trees still may be able to get the same results with a few added steps. The allure of a live Christmas tree can often be dashed for people worried about if it will turn brown, dry out or simply die before Christmas day rolls by.
Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk assured that’s a thing of the past with 5 simple steps that could keep your tree fresh for days or even weeks longer than usual. Obviously it all starts with picking out a healthy specimen from a trustworthy retailer, trees that have been grown in partial shade also stand a better chance of adjusting and surviving to indoor conditions.
Once your tree arrives, Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, recommended making it one inch short by cutting off the base. He explained that this will remove the sap that’s formed around the first cut, opening up the sap channels which will help the tree consume water, stay hydrated and ultimately stay green and fresh.
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Where the tree ends up in your home can also make or break its lifespan. The expert recommended avoiding heated areas, including fireplaces and radiators to avoid drying it out prematurely. You’d also ideally want the tree in a place where it can get a few hours of natural light everyday.
Chris highlighted what may be the most important key to keeping your tree healthy for longer; watering it enough. He pointed out that the average Christmas tree absorbs two to three pints of water a day, and the warmer the environment the more water it’s likely to need.
A well hydrated tree will also lose less of its needles, meaning less clean up when you do eventually decide to boot out the Christmas spirit in the new year. Finally, despite the trends and temptations, the experts urged Brits to stop overdoing the strings of lights on their trees as this dries out the tree quicker. LED lights can also be a more tree-friendly alternative option.
