Care and Disposal of Christmas Trees

Since so much time and effort is put into selecting the perfect Christmas tree, it follows that similar consideration should also be given to giving the tree the best possible care.

After the festivities, disposal of your Christmas tree should be done with some consideration also. Safety is also an important reason to take proper care and make proper disposal of your Christmas tree, a drying Christmas tree also presents a grave danger as a fire hazard. The average Christmas tree should last for about five to six weeks if the proper care is given to it.

After selecting a Christmas tree and getting it home, the first thing that should be done is to make a fresh cut and place it into a stand with water. A Christmas tree should be placed in a stand with some water in it; the water will need to be topped up regularly.

A fresh cut is made by cutting about an inch off the bottom in a slight diagonal shape to help the absorption of water. If a fresh cut isn't going to be made immediately after getting the tree home, it should be placed in a container with water and left to stand in a shaded area that is away from the wind.

If a fresh cut isn't made and the Christmas tree is left exposed to air, the vessels for transporting water can become blocked. If this happens, another fresh cut can correct the problem and the tree would need to be immediately put in a container with water.

Ensure that the stand for your Christmas tree is solid and not liable to be easily knocked over. Place your tree away from any source of heat to reduce the risk of it drying out. Do not start to decorate the tree until it is firmly in its stand. It is wise not to decorate the tree until after it has been placed firmly in its stand.Several decoration precautions should be taken to lessen or avoid the Christmas tree being a fire hazard.

Old fashioned ornaments that have an open flame should never be used as decorations for your Christmas tree. It is a good idea to check that all your Christmas tree lights are working before you put them on the tree, it will make it easier for you if bulbs need to be replaced. When you check the bulbs also check that the cord isn’t damaged at all and that the connections are intact. If it looks as if there is any exposed wiring do not use the lights.

A good Christmas tree stand should be selected since water is the most important item to getting the longest life out of your Christmas tree.

It has to be large enough to hold sufficient water for your tree which, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, may be up to one gallon every day. Remember when you acquire your stand that some water will be displaced by the base of your tree so this needs to be allowed for. The water will need to be checked and topped The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that one quart of water (two pints)is required for each inch of the diameter of the tree's trunk.

After Christmas is over and your wonderfully decorated Christmas tree has provided much joy, it is important to remove it before it dries out. You will need to check with your local council (municipality) what arrangements they have in force in regard to disposing of Christmas trees.

There's also the choice that you can continue to get a different use from your Christmas tree by cutting it to pieces yourself and be environmentally sensitive by using it for mulch.