How To Make Your Christmas Tree Last All Season Long

Did you know that over 30 million households will decorate a live tree in their home this holiday season? Picking out a live Christmas tree is one of the most classic holiday traditions, and the memories that are made while choosing and decorating the perfect tree are remembered for decades. Verity Group has rounded up some of the best tips on how to choose the best tree, how to keep it merry, bright & alive all season long, and also how to safely decorate it while protecting one of your most valuable assets - your home.

1. Choose A Healthy Tree  A fresh-cut tree not only smells better, but a brittle-free tree sheds fewer needles, remains green longer, and is less of a fire hazard throughout the season. If you are buying your tree from a local nursery, church group, or retail store, consider asking a store clerk how recent the trees were harvested and where they were harvested from. If trees were cut three to four weeks ago, try another nursery as these trees are more than likely already dry and brittle. If a clerk isn't available, look for trees with needles that are flexible and firmly attached to the tree, avoiding any tree that has brittle needles that snap off easily. The best way to ensure you're buying the freshest tree is to cut one yourself at a local tree farm.

2. Show Your New Tree Some TLC Your tree has more than likely been on a long journey before making it to its final destination in your home, so make sure to give it some TLC before taking it inside. If you have large yard debris bags available consider taking a few with you to protect it on its final journey home, wrapping the tree and bags with twine to ensure it doesn't blow away. Before taking it inside, cut the trunk off 1-3" so that tree's pores are open and not sealed by its sap.

3. Put Your Tree In Water Right Away Immediately after bringing your tree inside, be sure to put it in water by setting the tree in its stand or placing it in a bucket with water if you won't be decorating it right away. The base of the tree trunk should never be dry. Check the water level daily, as a Christmas tree typically absorbs about one quart of water for each inch of its diameter. The easiest way to remember watering the tree is to set a daily alarm on your smartphone!

4. Choose The Right Location In Your Home When choosing the perfect location for your tree, remember to keep it away from heat sources like gas or wood-burning fireplaces, space heaters, heat registers, standing heaters, or even south-facing windows that may get a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day. Keeping your tree away from these heat sources will not only prevent a fire from breaking out but will also keep your tree from drying out.

5. Safely Decorate Your Tree Be sure you are using appropriate lights for your tree. If you have any outdoor trees, be sure that your lights are for indoor AND outdoor use. If you are re-using your string lights from previous years, make sure that there are no exposed/loose wires or broken bulbs. Be sure to unplug your tree when you leave your home or when sleeping, or try using a timer that can be found at local hardware stores.

6. Recycle Your Old Tree Lastly, once the holiday is over, be sure to recycle your tree for a sustainable and earth-friendly holiday. Consider cutting it down to use for firewood or mulch around your garden in the spring!

From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry and safe holiday season!