5 Tips on How to Avoid Falling Needles This Christmas

Education Articles | January 11, 2011

Every year we buy millions of Christmas trees. Most people sadly see their tree lose needles far too soon. With these simple tips you can extend the lifespan of your Christmas tree.

Each year millions of Christmas trees are sold. Unfortunately, most of those trees start losing needles even before Christmas starts. Scientists in Quebec, Canada have discovered that by dowsing the trees in a chemical compound they can extend the ‘lifespan’ of pine trees to twice as long, but unfortunately it will take a few years before the new method will be available to the public.

With that in mind, here are some tips that you can apply this year to keep your tree hold out longer.

1. Only Buy a Healthy Tree

When selecting your tree, shake it vigorously or tap it on the floor a few times. If you see loads of needles falling, there’s nothing you can do and you should choose another one.

2. Don’t Let the Wind Dry it Out When You Take it Home

Sure it’s a lovely sight, all these cars with trees tied on top, but the wind dries out the tree and that will speed up the loss of needles. Have the vendor cover it in plastic, or put it inside your car. You wouldn’t want your Christmas tree to suffer harm just after you bought it.

3. Give the Tree a Chance to Drink

When you get home, take a small handsaw and cut off about on inch from the base. If it’s within two or three hours after purchase it’s not so important, but any longer than that and you definitely should. It’s because the tree secretes resin where it was cut and this seals of the veins the tree needs to absorb water.

4. Keep it Watered!

The first day a Christmas tree can drink up to a gallon of water, so make sure the base you put it in has enough capacity and check regularly each day to make sure that the water doesn’t drop below the base.

5. Dry Air is Very Harmful

Unless you live in Hawaii, you will probably have the heater on or the fireplace roaring. It’s cozy and comfy to be sure, but it also means the tree will live in a dry environment. The best way to keep the tree moisturized is with a humidifier, but if you don’t have one, a pan or bowl of water on top of the heater will do just fine.

Apply these tips, and see how your lovely Canadian Balsam fir can last well into the New Year!

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