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How to Take Care of a Real Christmas Tree

Adding a real Christmas tree to your holiday decor is a wonderful tradition. But taking care of that tree can be tricky, especially if you're not sure what to do. Follow these simple tips and you'll have a healthy and happy Christmas tree!
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close up of the branches of a fresh cut Christmas tree

Instructions

  • First - prep the tree.
    Once you bring your tree home cut at least an inch off the bottom of the tree.  Make it a clean cut, straight across so that your tree will sit properly in the tree stand.  
  • A Good Tree Stand
    Make sure you get a tree stand for a real tree, not an artificial tree.  Also, make sure the stand will hold the size of tree you have.  
  • Cleaning Up
    Your hands may be a little sticky and have some sap (pitch) on them at this point.  Soap and water will not get this all off so after washing your hands thoroughly try using some hand lotion or Vaseline, or my favorite, Lava Soap, to remove any remaining sap.
  • Give the Tree Time to Relax
    Once you remove the twine, rope, or net that is holding the branches in place, give the tree time to relax. Overnight is best.
  • Tree removal bag.
    This step is important to minimize the mess when taking your tree down.
    A tree skirt and tree removal bag came packed with my tree but in case yours doesn't you'll want to buy one.  Amazon sells them for under $10.00.
    I wasn't sure about it but my sister, my go-to expert for life, let me know that I should put it beneath the tree stand to catch needles when I am taking the tree down and to easily bag the tree to get it out of the house.
  • Watering the Tree
    For the first watering, use warm water to help break up the sap and be sure to fill your tree stand - not so that it splashes over but so that your tree has enough water.  
    You do not want your tree to dry out.  The first night our tree was up it drank almost all the water in the stand and had to be watered again twice the next day.  
    After almost a week I water it once every morning and check again in the evening just to top it off.  
    I recommend a tree funnel for this purpose.
  • Lighting your tree.
    Use good quality lights that give off a minimal amount of heat or NO heat.  Heat will not only dry your tree out but it can be dangerous.  
    Always, always, always, unplug your lights at night and when you aren't home.  I have some vintage bubble lights that get extremely hot so they are NOT on my tree this year.
  • Keep Your Tree Away from Heat
    To make your tree last longer keep it away from heat sources-heat vents, room heaters, etc.  The cooler your tree is kept the longer it will stay fresh.
    If your tree starts to drop needles the easiest way to clean them up and get them out of your carpet and off the floor can be found here.

As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.

Calories:
Author: Mary Beth