Tree Set Up And Care

In the Peanuts comic, by Charles Schultz's, Charlie Brown searches for the perfect Christmas tree. To his friends chagrin, he brings back a dead and seemingly lifeless tree. At the end of the story, Charlie Brown's friends gather together and place ornaments on the tree as they show the true meaning of Christmas is about being grateful for what you have, togetherness and family.

While a lifeless tree brings meaning to cartoons, no one really wants a dead pine tree standing in the center of their living room. For appearance and fire safety reasons it is important to practice Christmas tree care. These tips will keep a tree healthy throughout the holiday season.

Care of live Christmas trees begins before purchase. Check for freshness in scent and color. The freshest trees come from tree farms that allow people to walk through rows, choose a tree and cut it down. Retail Christmas tree lots, a small area set up in department store, or restaurant parking lots, may also offer a nice selection, but tree hunters need to get to these lots early as the best choices go fast. In warmer climates, check for bugs and moth masses. Along with sight and scent, feel the branches. Are the needles secured, or do they fall off? Avoid trees with branches that break easily too. Both signs indicate that the tree is dying.

Continue live Christmas tree care once the tree comes home. Place the tree in a tree stand with a reservoir. Fill the reservoir with water and do it again the same night as the extra thirsty tree will need it. Again, a carpet floor covered in needles lets owners know that the tree is drying out. Keeping the reservoir full at all times is the best way to keep the tree from becoming a fire hazard.

Christmas tree care extends to artificial trees as well. Keep artificial Christmas trees fresh and free from pests and dirt by storing them in specially designed Christmas tree storage bags made from polyester and nylon. While using a revolving tree, only plug lights into the outlet provided on the tree. Also, keep it away from curtains and blankets as it may snag and grab the cloth as it rotates.

Home improvement books and shows provide Christmas care instructions during the winter months. Search online for "free Christmas tree and care instructions" to learn more ways to care for your Christmas tree.