Keep your tree in tip-top shape
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating and we want you to keep your tree looking merry and bright all season long. Our experts pulled together some of their tips to help keep your tree looking tip-top throughout the season.
- A freshly cut trunk allows trees to drink more water. It is important to get the tree’s trunk into water a few hours after the cut is made. If this doesn’t happen be sure to make a fresh cut before placing the tree in the stand. When you purchase a McDonald tree, a fresh cut is made in the trunk right before it is loaded to take home.
- A cut tree requires water and drinks more the first few days it is indoors. Be sure to keep water in the tree stand and remember to water daily. The water level should not drop below the cut end of the trunk.
- Heat and dry air causes trees to dry out faster. Close heat vents that below directly on the tree, avoid placing trees in areas that receive direct sun and switch from standard lights to cooler LED mini lights.
- Add Tree Preserve to the water once a week. A Christmas tree preservative offers a food source for the plant, an acidifier (hard water is alkaline – making the water more acidic helps the plant take in water and food), and a disinfectant to prevent mold, fungi, and algae from growing in the water. An 8 oz. bottle retails for $2.99.
- Purchase a Christmas tree bag to help contain the mess when Christmas is over. Simply position the bag around the stand (or base of the tree) before the tree is inserted and then place your Christmas tree skirt over the bag. After Christmas is over and the tree decorations have been removed, slide the bag up and over the tree for easy, needle-free removal.
