How to preserve a live Christmas tree?

Dan Shetler
by Dan Shetler

What can you put in the water of a live Christmas tree to keep the needles from falling prematurely


  6 answers
  • The best thing to do is trim off the bottom of the trunk and immediately put it in water. Keep it watered and keep it away from heat sources. As far as adding things to the water, I've heard aspirin helps.

  • Gk Gk on Dec 08, 2019

    You can use a floral preservative. Found at any local florist in small packages to be mixed with water.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Dec 08, 2019

    The key to keeping your tree fresh is to keep the bottom 2 inches of the trunk in water, even if that means refilling the stand every day. To help keep your tree hydrated to reduce needle drop add 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees to every quart of water added to your tree stand.

    • Dan Shetler Dan Shetler on Dec 08, 2019

      First time I have heard he miracle grow. We always cut our own may give this a try.

      Thanks

  • Emily Emily on Dec 08, 2019

    Be sure to get the freshest tree you can .. . many areas have "cut your own" tree farms. For one already cut, trim the base before inserting it on the stand.

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 08, 2019

    Hi Dan, hope this helps you

    1. Start with a healthy, vibrant tree. ...
    2. Give the tree a clean, straight cut across the bottom. ...
    3. Get the tree in water as soon as you come home. ...
    4. Keep it cool. ...
    5. Opt for LED lights. ...
    6. Check the water level every day.
    7. add sugar to the water about a cupful
    8. or To help keep your tree hydrated to reduce needle drop add 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees to every quart of water added to your tree stand.


  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 08, 2019

    A live Christmas tree has the root ball attached, wrapped in burlap..... https://realchristmastrees.org/dnn/All-About-Trees/Care-Tips/Tree-Care-2 my dad did these every year.


    If you are cutting down a tree the formula is ,,,,, Add 2 tablespoons chelated iron and 1 cup corn syrup to a one gallon container, and then add 8 cups hot water. Finally, add 1½ teaspoons Clorox® Regular-Bleach2, and stir to mix. If necessary, transfer the solution to a different container that allows easy pouring into the tree stand.