Instructions on How to Maintain Your Christmas Tree During the Holiday Season:

Protect Your Tree: Let the tree remain outdoors or on a cool porch or garage, in a sheltered area, until your are ready to decorate. An area that provides protection from the wind will help the tree retain its moisture.

Make a Clean Cut: Before you set up your tree, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (about a quarter inch up from the original cut). Then place the tree in a tree stand that holds a gallon of water or more.

Water Your Tree: Trees are thirsty! They may drink between 2 pints to a gallon of water per day - so make sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. Remember, a constant supply of water is essential to keep the tree fresh. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant. And now that watering systems are available for Christmas trees, even someone with a busy schedule can keep their tree watered!

Keep the Tree Stand Filled with Water: A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree. This prevents the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.

Be Smart About Your Lights: USe of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.