Cut the Bottom to Extend the Life of a Christmas Tree
After hours of looking for that perfect tree, you stand proud as it is netted and lashed to the roof of your car. Even though the tree is netted, you obey the speed more so as you do not want to risk losing any pine needles. You and your tree arrive home safely and its new home is waiting in the place a tree has stood ever year be it the corner or the center of a family room. There are a few things one should consider before placing that well known symbol of Christmas in its place and that is keeping it fresh.
If you are not going to put up your tree for a few hours, keep in a cool location and out of the sun. If you are not going to put up the tree for a few days, keep the trunk in a pail of water until you are ready to place. After either scenario, a cut will have to be made to keep the tree fresh.
If you have just purchased your tree from a tree farm and cut it down yourself, all you will need to do is make sure that the truck is cut straight. Most if not all tree farms offer this service with netting your tree, but always check.
If you had found your tree that had been precut, you will need to remove a portion from of the truck to allow the tree to take water. A tree that has been for more than four hours will seal its back to prevent water and sap loss (Ohio State University). With a saw or chainsaw, cut one inch off the trunk in a straight cut called a “cookie” being careful not to damage the bark and removing any portion of it and immediately place the tree in water. This will allow the tree to begin drinking and staying fairly green until the end of the holiday season and allow the drink to take on water. Check daily to make sure that the water level does not go below the cut trunk or the tree will once again seal and you will have to start the process again.
Cut trees make a wonderful additional to any home during the holiday season and with this simple procedure, it will keep longer.
