Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 6: Pick a good tree
• Method 2 of 6: Make room in your house
• Method 3 of 6: Setting up the tree
• Method 4 of 6: Safely decorate the tree
• Method 5 of 6: Taking care of the tree
• Method 6 of 6: Get rid of the tree
• Tips
• Warnings

If you want to put a real Christmas tree in your home, here are some steps you can take to keep it green, healthy and safe during the holiday season. If you like the characteristic scent of a real conifer, learn how to take care of it here.

To step

Method 1 of 6: Pick a good tree

1. Choose a healthy tree. If possible, it is best to pick a tree from a nursery where it is still in the ground. A freshly chopped tree will last longer than one that was cut down weeks ago and transported to the point of sale.
2. Don't take a tree with a lot of dead or brown needles - these are already past their prime. Gently rub a branch to see if the needles are flexible and stick to the branch.
   • Here's another trick: Lift the tree a few inches and drop it on the trunk. If the outer green needles fall out, you probably shouldn't take this tree.

Method 2 of 6: Make room in your house

1. Pick a spot and make room for the tree. It should be far away from open flames or heat sources, because then it dries out faster. Trees can catch fire, so be careful (see Warnings below). In a corner is a good place, because then there will be less bumps.
   • If you put lights in your tree, make sure your tree is near an electrical outlet. If this is not possible, you will need an extension cord. When you do, make sure that it runs well along the wall so that no one can trip over it.
2. Cover the floor where the tree will be placed. There are special skirts for under the tree, but you can also put a Christmas dress or another piece of fabric. This is not only decorative, but also helps protect the floor in case you spill water.
   • If you have a skirt that about the tray, you can also put something under the tray and put the decorative skirt over it later. This is not only fun, it also prevents pets from drinking from the bowl.

Method 3 of 6: Setting up the tree

1. Prepare the base of the tree. Use a handsaw and cut about 2 cm from the bottom of the trunk to promote water absorption.
   • Note: It is better not to cut the tree diagonally, or in a V-shape, or drill a hole in the bottom. None of these methods help the tree to absorb water and make it more difficult to set the tree safely in the stand.
2. Set up your tree within eight hours of cutting the bottom. That is how long a fresh tree can go without water before water absorption is compromised. A Christmas tree should never be set up dry. It is much better to put it in a container of water that is regularly refilled. You can buy special Christmas tree containers or stands that you can screw the tree into and that can contain water. Or, you can try the rougher but proven method where you fill a bucket with small stones (put the tree in it, fill the bucket with stones around the trunk). The tree needs about a liter of water for every inch that the diameter of the trunk measures.
   • Note: make sure that the tree is stable. Never scrape the outside of the trunk to make it fit into the stand - the outer layer will absorb most of the water.
3. Make sure the tree is straight. It is a good idea to set up the tree with at least two people, with one holding it straight and the other fixing the base. Always step back to see if it is straight before picking it up. Of course, it is easiest to get that right at this stage.

Method 4 of 6: Safely decorate the tree

1. Decorate the tree. For many this is the nicest part. It's also a good time to think about safety. A well-maintained Christmas tree should not pose a fire hazard as long as you use common sense when decorating.
   • Check each light cord to see if the lights are working properly.
   • Examine the cords to make sure they have not been eaten by pets or vermin and that the plugs are secure.
   • Discard and replace any decoration that looks questionable. Tree decorations are not expensive, but your house is.
   • Hang small and fragile decorations out of the reach of children and pets to avoid breaking or swallowing.

Method 5 of 6: Taking care of the tree

1. Water the tree. To begin with, make sure the tree gets plenty of water in the first hours after setting up, it will need a lot of water and drink like crazy (maybe 3.5 liters on the first day). (See also the Tips below). Afterwards, you will have to add water almost every day. Not only is it good for the health of the tree, but a well-hydrated tree is less dry and therefore less flammable. Never allow the water level to drop below the base of the tree.
   • Some people put an aspirin in the water to keep the tree fresh. Some give their tree some Ginger Ale, Sprite, or other lemonade. Be careful; if you accidentally spill while watering the tree it can get very sticky!
2. Check for juice leaks. It's a good idea to check from time to time to see if the tree is leaking sap or resin onto furniture or the floor. The sooner you notice it, the easier it is to clean.
3. Pick up fallen needles. Use a broom and dustpan or a handheld vacuum (in a large vacuum cleaner it can cause clogging; it can even destroy your vacuum cleaner, while a handheld vacuum will do well because you have to empty it all the time).
   • This is a daily ritual, unless you want to leave a large pile of needles until the tree leaves the house. The needles are almost invisible and dangerous for small children or pets.
   • A well-watered tree will lose fewer needles, but any fresh trees will drop some needles.

Method 6 of 6: Get rid of the tree

1. Dispose of the tree as garden waste. The tree has given its life for you and has contributed a lot to the Christmas feeling. If your municipality has a Christmas tree fundraising program, you can use it. If you have space in the garden, you can also put the tree there until spring, and then make chips for the garden.

Tips

• Use LED lights so that the tree does not get too hot (and so you save energy). Turn off the lights when you are not at home to save energy and reduce the risk of fire.
• Never leave the tree unattended with the lights on. If you leave for Christmas and set a timer on the lights, ask the neighbors to keep an eye on things to make sure it doesn't get too hot.
• If you accidentally let the tree dry out, it can lose its needles. The only way to fix this is to cut a few inches off the bottom again and water a lot.

Warnings

• Never leave the lights on when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping.
• Do not put too many plugs in the extension cord.
• Be careful when you water, because water and electricity don't mix well.
• Cats and dogs are notorious for knocking down Christmas trees and making them messy. If you have a cat, dog, or other pet, keep them out of the room where the tree is.
• Do not place flammable or heat-producing items close to the tree. That means keeping things like candles, TVs, stereos, kettles, etc., far away from the tree.
• Do not put a coniferous tree through a tree shredder. The combination of resin and needles can cause a blockage, making it very difficult to clean.