CARING FOR YOUR REAL TREE

Once you have chosen your tree, keep it in a sheltered, unheated area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the wind and sun until you are ready to set it up and decorate it.

Before you set up your tree, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (about a quarter of an inch up from the original cut) and place the tree in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

The more important thing to remember is that real trees need water daily. Never let your tree stand go dry of water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump if the water level drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.

Keep your tree away from heat and draft sources such as fireplaces, radiators and television sets.

Test your light cords and connections before putting them on the tree to make sure they are in good working condition. You don’t want to use cords with cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets.

Be sure to unplug the lights before you retire for the night or leave the house.

Remember To Water Your REAL Tree Daily!