How to Care for Your Christmas Tree
Congratulations on your purchase of a farm-grown Kenburn Orchards Christmas tree. You now have the freshest tree you can buy, and you have selected a renewable resource which reduces fossil fuel use. You have helped to preserve open space for people and wildlife to enjoy.
- At the farm, we will trim the base of your tree to your specifications to remove extra branches and ensure a flat base.
- We then shake out your tree to help keep your home clean from grass and needle residue. All conifers have dead interior needles, and this is not a sign of freshness.
- When you return home with your tree, place the base of the tree in water, and keep it in a cool, sheltered place out of the wind in your garage or porch until you are ready to put it up. Using hot water will increase water absorption by as much as 50%. Leave the netting on the tree for easier handling. Make sure the tree always has an adequate supply of water.
- Choose a tree stand that has enough water holding capacity for the size of your tree. Many cheap stands do not hold an adequate water supply. A rule of thumb is one quart of water per inch of diameter stem.
- When you are ready to bring the tree inside, make a fresh cut of about 1/2 inch off the bottom of the tree.
- Give your tree plenty of water to drink. To keep you and your family safe during the holidays, water your tree every day, without exception. Always make sure the water level is above the base of the tree or a partial seal will form and reduce additional water absorption.
- The best tree preservative is plain water. Other additives are of questionable value.
- Place the tree in a cool spot well away from heat registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, televisions and other heat sources. Always keep small children and pets in mind – make sure the tree is sturdily mounted in its stand so that kids or pets cannot knock it over.
Use good common sense – make sure all lights are safe to use, avoid combustible decorations, and turn off tree lights when away from home or in bed. Newer LED lights use less electricity and produce little heat.
A well-hydrated tree provides natural protection against fire hazards. A tree with high moisture levels significantly reduces needle loss and is almost impossible to ignite. Water every day!
After the Holidays
We offer tree skirts which serve as tree bags so you may easily dispose of your tree without scattering needles, branches and other debris all over your house. These specially designed units fit over and around your tree at the end of the season so you can more easily transport it out of your home.
After the holidays, consider giving your tree a second life as compost, mulch or chips to be used later in a garden or at a landscape project.
- Clip the branches from the tree and use them as a protective cover on garden plants.
- Use the tree as a birdfeeder which can also be a cover shelter and a shield from harsh weather.