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Question

What kind of Christmas tree should I get?

Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Matt Bowman

Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden

Expert Answer

From a longevity standpoint, you can't beat a fir. Pines and spruces seem to dry out quicker in the home, while fir varieties hold up well and keep their needles better. The most popular varieties include Fraser firs, Douglas firs, and Noble firs. There are some pine varieties that are popular as well, as they are generally a little cheaper due to how quickly they grow.

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Question

How long will a Christmas tree last without water?

Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Matt Bowman

Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden

Expert Answer

A Christmas tree will last up to 8 hours without water. Make sure you mount your tree within 8 hours of cutting its base so it won't dry out.

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Question

Do I need to spray water on the branches or needles of the tree in order to moisten them?

Community Answer

No. The water you put in the tree stand should be enough to keep the tree moisturized.

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Question

My tree is dead already, and I just got it today! What did I do wrong?

Community Answer

You probably bought a bad Christmas tree. Contact the place where you got it to see if you can get a refund.

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Question

How do I get the rid of the pine smell of a tree?

Community Answer

Don't buy a pine: buy a spruce, fir or cedar (each has a different smell). If you don't like the smell of the tree at all, opt for an artificial tree.

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Question

How do I sweeten the water in the stand that smells sour?

Community Answer

If you are very quick, drain the water and refill it.

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Question

Is it OK to put boiled water in the tree stand?

Christopher

Top Answerer

Trees don't like hot water. They don't get the same nutrients the same way they would if cooler water was applied.

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Question

What can I do if my tree has a broken branch?

Community Answer

Use a tree cutter to trim back the broken branch.

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Question

How long can a tree keep without cutting the trunk before putting it up?

Cheryl Hill Johnson

Community Answer

Quite a while. A month or more if it is kept frozen. Once the tree thaws out, it starts to want water.

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Question

How do I prevent the water smelling strange?

Community Answer

This is most likely due to the fact you are not replacing the water enough. Every day is a good idea; use a cup or mug to slowly remove the old water into the sink and replace.

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Question

Should I add hot water to the tree stand?

Community Answer

No, trees don't get the same nutrition from hot water as they do cold water.

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Question

Can I drill some holes in the tree so that it will get some water?

Community Answer

Without knowing what sort of tree we are talking about, I would say no. The damage you can cause to the tree could have permanent effects, exposing the tree to dangers in the environment that the bark is designed to protect it from. This can harm the tree and cause it to die off early.

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Question

Does it matter if the water is warm or cold?

Community Answer

The tree needs to have cold water. The hot water can actually hurt it.

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Question

If the trunk of the tree was cut and left in a bucket of water for a week, does it need a fresh cut before putting it in a stand?

Kayelynn Hornbeak-Hess

Community Answer

No. If the tree was cut within three hours of being placed in the stand, and its trunk has been submerged while in the bucket, then your tree should be fine.

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Question

How long can a Christmas tree survive without water?

Community Answer

About a month. It'll stay green, but it will gradually start to lose needles.

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Question

How can I make my Christmas tree last longer?

Community Answer

The only thing you can really do to increase the life of your tree is to change the water every other day.

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Question

Should I cut the bottom of the tree to ensure good water absorption?

Community Answer

You need to cut a half inch to an inch off in order to ensure good water absorption.

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Question

Why are my top branches starting to turn brown?

Community Answer

You are probably not adding a lot of water and changing it every other day. You can try to save your Christmas tree by doing those steps. If the branches are starting to turn brown, it does show that the tree is slowly dying.

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Question

How can I add branches to the bare spots on my tree?

Community Answer

You can't. It's actually better for the tree to have some bare spots at the bottom so more water can be absorbed at the base of the tree.

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Question

My tree has no pine smell whatsoever. Can I revive the pine scent?

Kayelynn Hornbeak-Hess

Community Answer

Scent sticks can be found at your local craft store. They may smell overwhelming when you sniff them, but the scent evens out as it is exposed to open air.

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Question

When should I buy the tree?

Community Answer

You should try to buy the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Not many people go tree shopping so early.

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Question

How do I keep my Christmas tree alive?

Community Answer

Keep it watered (water at least twice a day, morning and night). Also, if it is dying, you can add plant food. You can also make sure the ornaments are not too heavy so the branches will not break. Pull off any dead needles.

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Question

I usually bring my tree in about the 20th of December, but I would like to bring it in earlier. How long will it last before it starts losing lots of needles?

Community Answer

We buy our tree a day or two after Thanksgiving, leaving it up until after the first of the year. With good care and maintenance, it lasts. No matter how well you care for your real tree, you will still have falling needles.

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Question

Is it necessary to let the tree stand in the water for 24 hours after I bring it home, before decorating it?

Community Answer

This will help the tree to last longer. It's up to you, though.

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Question

We water our tree every day and it's still dry. What can we do?

Community Answer

Don't over water! Try adding enriched soil or plant food at the base. The water goes down to the roots, so while it may seem dry, the tree may actually be okay. Watering the tree every day can flood the roots, damaging their ability to absorb water and protect the tree.

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Question

What is the best day to get a tree before Christmas?

Community Answer

The day after Thanksgiving.

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Question

My tree won't drink water. What can I do to get it to start drinking?

Community Answer

Trees don't drink water. You wet the surrounding soil so that the tree's roots can soak in the water and nutrients.

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Question

When will the tree be ready to decorate?

Community Answer

You can decorate it as soon as you buy it and set it up. Generally, anytime in December (or after Thanksgiving, in the US) is reasonable.

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Question

What can I do to prevent the Christmas tree from turning brown?

Adrian

Top Answerer

Place the bottom of the tree in a tub of water. Even though its roots are gone, it will still take in some water, though it will eventually die because it cannot take in enough water without roots.

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Question

What do I do if the tree is not absorbing the water?

Community Answer

The tree is most likely dead on the bottom if it is not absorbing water, so take the tree out and cut a piece off of the bottom to allow it to absorb the water.

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