I’ve had many readers ask this question over the last few years, and earlier this year I had a reader request I do a post on it!

So today we are sharing how to keep Christmas trees alive longer, all thanks to Chemistry!

There are dozens of myths out there on the internet about things, and I have found some pretty strange ones about Christmas trees.

The truth is, some of these suggestions just don’t work because there is no science behind it. Some of them do though, and that is what we are sharing today!

Let’s dive right into it!

How to Keep Christmas Trees Alive Longer (Based on Science!)

Before we start, join us for new Christmas ideas and behind the scenes!

If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on instagram and instagram stories for more fun Christmas ideas this year! We have so many neat things coming up for you!!

One. Choose a Fresh Tree

Well, of course right?? But after talking with some professionals and people who always use real Christmas trees, fresh trees are so important. You might not be choosing a fresh tree like you think. Here are some basic tips to make sure you actually get a FRESH tree:

• First, bend the needles in your fingers to see what they do. Pine trees should not break, but bend well. Fir trees snap easily. This means they are very fresh!
• Go for a rich green color and make sure it has this throughout the entire tree.
• Reach deep inside of the tree and pull on the needles. Fresh trees shouldn’t have any needles that fall off.

Two. Trim the Bottom of the Tree

Once you get the tree home, you want to make sure to trim the bottom of the tree. Just like we do here with cut flowers, you need to do this to fresh trees. Most experts recommend cutting off about ½ to 1 inch off the trunk.

Remember to just cut straight across. No angling is needed.

Three. Set up Your Tree in a Cool Place

I had a friend a few years back whose tree continued to die before Christmas. They couldn’t figure out what in the world was happening, but it turns out, the heat vent in the ceiling was pointing towards the tree. Make sure your heat vents aren’t turned in the direction of the tree.

Also, make sure to keep the tree away from space heaters or fireplaces. Even in a place where the heat might draft over to them.

Keeping the tree next to a cold window is always a good spot. If you live in a warm climate like we do, make sure the window isn’t getting a lot of sun though!

{Ruger the Bulldog absolutely LOVES Christmas Trees 🙂 }

Four. Make Sure to Keep Cool Fresh Water on Tree

Fresh trees will soak up quite a bit of water. You need to check the basin a few times a day to make sure it is full. Also, use fresh and cool water.

Five. Use a Large Water Basin

Another issue you might encounter is using too small of a container. The tree will need water well past the truck and it will eliminate the possibility of the tree not having enough water.

Christmas Tree Preservative Mythbusters

Number six on our list is going to be a little mythbusting for you!

Six. Should You Add Anything to Water?

This is where science can bust some myths for you on additives to add to water. Unlike cut flowers that mold easily, large trees probably won’t be as susceptible to this. For cut flowers, we have a fresh cut flower food you can make to keep the mold from collecting.

Here are a few ideas you will find floating around the internet. The question is: do they work?

Adding 7-UP to Christmas Tree Water

There are many tips out there claiming 7-UP can keep tree alive longer. Someone probably came up with this idea because of the sugar. Soft drinks contain sugar and acids. The acids won’t have much bearing on a live tree, but sugar is always something plants need. However, fresh trees don’t really need sugar to stay alive longer.

This won’t increase the lifespan of a tree. If anything, it might create the possibility of mold and bacteria. I wouldn’t do this!

Adding Aspirin to Christmas Tree Water

Acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, is a pretty amazing chemical in the gardening world. Remember this post from way back about Mind-Blowing Chemistry Tips that Save Time and Money? One of the tips is about using aspirin for preventing black spots on roses.

Another thing aspirin does for plants is open up their pores, allowing them to produce more flowers and buds.

For a Christmas tree though, there really isn’t anything chemically that will help a tree stay alive longer. Christmas trees don’t need to produce more branches or needles. Aspirin may help ward off mold, but again, this is very unlikely for a tree to deal with.

I would say it isn’t worth adding. Christmas tree experts don’t recommend it either.

Other Additives to Christmas Tree Water

Truthfully, there is very little scientific evidence that additives will enhance your live Christmas tree. Trees are so large and don’t continue to grow inside like potted plants or something with soil.

Water, cool temperatures, and making sure to pick the right tree are the best bet!

How to Care for a Potted Christmas Tree

Now, if you choose to pot your Christmas tree after using it for the holidays, then you can check out ways to root and pot the tree! All of our tips below can also work for small potted Christmas trees you have inside or outside.

The biggest thing to keep in mind for potted trees is good drainage and a large enough pot for the root system. Christmas trees have large, deep roots, so many small trees in pots might struggle if the pot is too small.

We dug up a tiny Christmas tree a few years ago, and we kept it in a pot during the Christmas season. It died soon after because the pot was too small.

Anyways, this post is mainly to help keep your cut Christmas tree alive all season. Be sure to follow the tips to make sure you can have a fresh tree for the rest of the year 🙂

Merry Christmas!

 

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