From: larsenworld
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007
To: info@realchristmastrees.org
Subject: Question on tree that I just put up- not taking in water
I bought a tree on 11/24/07. The end was cut and placed in a water bucket. It took in water fine overnight in the bucket. I put the stand on yesterday, 11/25/07. Before doing this, I cut an extra 1/2" off and drilled a small hole in the base of the tree. This was done to center the tree on the
spike in the middle of the stand. The tree is in the stand, but resting flat against the bottom of the stand. The stand has water in it, yet the tree is not taking in water. Does a tree resting flat against the bottom of the stand inhibit water intake? Should I take the tree out of the house and re-do, so that the tree is not in contact with the bottom of the stand?
The tree is not decorated yet, so I can make a change if necessary....
Perfect, you did everything correctly. The rate of water absorption will fluctuate throughout the time the tree is displayed, that's natural. Being tight against the bottom of the stand won't inhibit it's ability to absorb water molecules into the plant tissue.
From: Kathy Jones
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007
To: info@realchristmastrees.org
Subject: Blog Talk Ideas
I just purchased a 10 1/2 foot tree from a local nursery. When I got home my husband made a one inch cut and we put it in warm water right away. It has failed to drink any of the water. I was told that her trees were bought from a tree farm in Oregon(I think it was Hiawatha) and she said she only bought first. So what is the problem? I have read everything on the Internet about tree care and followed all of the instructions given and can't figure out why it want drink. It is a beautiful tree and is losing needles from the bottom of the tree but not the top, yet it seems fresh.
This always seems to happen to me. Every year I look for that perfect tree and yet I would bet you that most of them didn't drink that much water. One year I actually undecorated the entire tree and took it back and got another tree because it was drying out to fast and wasn't taking in any water.
p.s. I even sprayed it down with water a couple of times. Once the day I got it and the morning before bringing it indoors. I also have a great tree stand. It has a lifetime guarantee.
The tree typically absorbs the most water in the initial 1 or 2 days of being brought inside as it rehydrates up to 98% capacity. If it took up water initially, then it should be fine, but if it didn't, it's probably just not losing moisture yet. The amount of water taken up will slow down, speed up, all kinds of fluctuations, not be the same amount every day for the next 4 weeks. Let the tree itself be the indicator of dryness, not the rate of daily water uptake. Check branches and needles for signs of dryness about every 3-4 days.
From: michael
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2007
To: info@realchristmastrees.org
Subject: Christmas trees
I'm looking to purchase the best Christmas tree available, i.e. the type that last the longest, (most important smells the best etc.) could you please advise me on the correct type and proper way to make my tree last throughout the Holiday season? My main concern is to fill my house with a good smelling tree.
P.S. price is of no concern.
Thank you in advance for your response!
Sorry, Michael. There's no way I can tell you which species smells better. Smell is a subjective sense...what smells good to me may not to you and vice versa. Any species can last throughout the holiday season if cared for properly, so don't let that be a determining factor. You really should be looking for what matches your personal preference for needle type, decorating theme, shape and color, etc. Check out the common characteristics page and also the needle type close up photos and let me know if you have questions about specific ones.
From: Dick Steinbach
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007
To: info@realchristmastrees.org
Subject: How to keep a cut tree fresh
Christmas Tree people ,
I'm born on Christmas. I've had a fresh Christmas tree in my home for as long as I can remember. With my four daughters and my enthusiasm I've bought, cut, decorated and displayed more Christmas Trees than anyone I know. I'm frustrated with your website. I'm trying to find out the best items to add to the water to maximize the freshness of the trees. Guess what? No luck.
I make fun of my friends who cave-in to buying phony trees. You'd think one of your major points would be to support those who buy fresh trees and cut them. I'm disappointed.
By the way I'm 73 years old this Christmas.
Give me the gift of keeping the tree I purchased today fresh for the longest time. It's sitting in water in the front yard with a fresh trimmed stem. What do I add to the water?
Hello Mr. Steinbach
We have a fairly descriptive list of the best ways to take care of a farm-grown Christmas Tree. You can find it by rolling the mouse over the word "trees" in the red menu bar at the top and then clicking on "tree care tips" in the drop-down menu. Or you can simnply Go Here .
Short answer to your question is ..don't add anything to the tree's water. Nothing has been shown to increase the freshness or longevity of a tree better than plain, fresh tap water.
By the way, I make fun of people who get a phony tree too.
Merry Christmas!
From: Charlie
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007
To: info@realchristmastrees.org
Subject: Blog Talk Ideas
OK, I'm going to lay it right on the line. I bought a tree on Sunday and now it is Thursday and it's still on my porch and has not received any water from me, except the one day of rain we have had. It's not my intention to be cruel and thoughtless, but I have been. There. I said it. What I want to know is, is there any hope for this tree at all? Or do I suck it up and start over again with a new tree? Any advice would be appreciated.
Don't fret so much Charlie. You don't say where you live, but unless you live in a really hot, dry place and left the tree in the sun, it will be able to re-hydrate still.
Go ahead and make a 1/2 inch straight, horizontal cut off the bottom of the trunk. This opens up the plant tissue which absorbs water molecules. Put it in water and it will soak it up. Go ahead and leave it bailed/netted, on a porch (out of wind and sun as much as possible) and in a bucket of water if you're still not ready to bring inside and decorate yet.
The main blog contributor is Rick Dungey, who works as Public Relations
Manager for the National Christmas Tree Association. Other people on the
NCTA staff and members of NCTA will also contribute posts. Rick has
answered media and consumer inquiries for NCTA for more than 9 years. You
are welcome to send responses or questions to the blog, but be aware that
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