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Health & Fitness

DECEMBER: TLC for your Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree care

Caring for your tree starts with a ‘fresh cut’ before you place it in water. Keeping it amply watered everyday will help it to remain beautiful and healthy throughout the entire Christmas season.

Now that you have purchased the ‘perfect’ tree for your home, here are a few suggestions to insure that the tree will remain healthy and beautiful throughout the holiday season.

Make sure it has a fresh cut to allow it to absorb plenty of water. If you wait more than an hour, the sap will dry over the cut end of the trunk and make it difficult for the tree to absorb water. TIP: If you can’t get your tree into water within an hour of a fresh cut, put the tree in a bucket of boiling water for five minutes. This will break up the sap and allow for more water uptake. Using Wilt-Pruf is another way to keep your tree from drying out. Spray tree branches outdoors with Wilt-Pruf. Allow to dry before bringing it inside.

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Put tree into a stable tree stand that is appropriate for the size and weight of your tree. Water it. Allow the tree to sit for a day—allowing time for the branches to fall. The branches will loosen up and the tree will look fuller. Check the water everyday and add to it, when needed. Never let the tree dry out.

Finally, you’re ready to decorate! This is the perfect time to get the whole family involved. Bring out the hot chocolate (or other holiday beverages) and you’ll quickly have a tree everyone will cherish and remember.

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Tip: Recycle the tree after the holidays: Evergreen trees make great mulch and a natural shelter for wintering birds. Remove the branches and spread them over the garden beds to insulate spring bulbs and perennials. 

For more information about Christmas Trees, visit http://www.pasquesi.com/for-the-holidays/christmas-trees.html





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