It's tough to beat the scent of pine and the lush look of a well-decorated live Christmas tree. That being said, keeping a real tree fresh through the holiday season may seem a little daunting when you don't have the know-how. This guide will teach you how to water a Christmas tree and keep your evergreen ever-green.

How to Water a Christmas Tree

When it comes to living Christmas trees, many people aren't sure what proper care is required to keep them alive through the holidays. There are a number of ways to help your tree remain well-hydrated and last longer through the festivities. With a little help, a real Christmas tree should last at least five weeks, so here are our tips to help you learn how to water a Christmas tree correctly.

Start With the Stand

Before you even begin to consider what tree you want, make sure to purchase a large sturdy stand with a sizable water well. Not all stands are built the same and you want to pick a quality one that will support your tree.

• Live Christmas trees can drink up to one quart of water for every inch of stem diameter – so pick a stand with around a one gallon capacity to be safe.
• If your stand is too small, do not try to trim the bark to get your tree to fit as this will hinder the water uptake process. Purchase a new stand instead.

How to Pick a Fresh Christmas Tree

When you go to pick your tree, make sure to select the freshest one possible. You can always keep a healthy tree alive, but it is impossible to hydrate one that has dried up.

• Choose a tree that has green needles and supple branches.
• Test the freshness by gently pulling a branch through your fingers to see how many needles are brittle or fall off – a few loose ones is fine, but a large amount means you should pick another tree.

How to Store a Christmas Tree

If, once you have purchased your tree, you can't immediately bring it in the house – make sure to store it in a bucket of cool water in a covered place such as the garage for a two day maximum.

How to Cut a Christmas Tree

It's best to immediately place your tree in water within 3 – 6 hours of purchasing it fresh. This is due to the fact that when a tree is cut, it seals itself with sap which will keep it from absorbing water. If you can't get your tree to water in time, however, there are a few things you can do to help it begin drinking water again. Cutting the tree is best. If you aren't sure how to cut a Christmas tree, here are a few tips.

• To cut your tree, you will need to remove a 1/4 – 1/2 inch disk off the bottom of the trunk in order to re-open the pores and allow the tree to drink water again.
• Do not cut the trunk at an angle, as this will make it harder to absorb water and may make it more difficult for your tree to stand.
• Do not drill a hole in the trunk as this will also affect water uptake.

How to Water a Christmas Tree

Watering your Christmas tree is fairly simple – all you need is tap water on hand to refill the stand as often as it needs. Don't be surprised if your tree doesn't immediately absorb water – it may take a few days before it begins to do so.

• Before anything else – make sure the tree trunk is fully submerged in water in the stand.
• A standard tree with a 5 inch trunk will need to have about 5 quarts of water at all times.
• If you tend to forget to water your tree, try to keep a filled vessel nearby to help you remember.
• Do not allow the water to dry out.
• Live Christmas trees can drink up to one quart of water a day, so be sure to consistently check the water level.

Tip!

Read The Best Christmas Tree Skirts & Collars for Every Holiday Style to get some ideas for decorating yours.

Christmas Tree Extras

Many believe in using sugar water for Christmas trees, however, this does not help. Nor do other additives such as bleach, corn syrup, copper pennies, or aspirin make a difference. In fact, these may slow down or hinder water retention.All your Christmas tree requires is fresh and clean water.

Christmas Tree Environment

If the air is dry or too hot, you may find your tree drying out quicker, so try to keep it away from heaters, radiators, or fireplaces.

• If you have to keep your tree in one of these locations, make sure to check the water levels frequently.
• Lowering the temperature of the room can also help slow the drying out.

Tip!

Always monitor your tree's freshness. If it begins to get dry and the leaves become brittle or fall off, it is best to get rid of it to prevent a fire hazard.

Knowing how to water a Christmas tree is a small but dramatic adjustment that will help your festive foliage last much longer.