1. Look For a Healthy, Vibrant Tree

Photo by Cara Grobbelaar on Unsplash
Photo by Cara Grobbelaar on Unsplash
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When looking for your tree, ask the tree farm where the trees came from and how long they have been on the lot. When you find one you like, run your fingers along the branches. You are looking for soft, flexible needles that are a deep green color.

2.  Give Your Tree Trunk Another Cut

Photo by Taylor Friehl on Unsplash
Photo by Taylor Friehl on Unsplash
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Even if you get your tree from a tree lot, you should ask for a fresh cut across the trunk of the tree about an inch high. This helps to prime the trunk again so that the tree can take in water properly. If you don't the tree may not be able to absorb water and not last as long.

3. Get Tree in Water ASAP

Photo by Amritanshu Sikdar on Unsplash
Photo by Amritanshu Sikdar on Unsplash
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Because you need to transport the tree home, you must get it in water as soon as possible. If you don't know where it's going to go, put it in a 5-gallon bucket. Some trees will absorb a full gallon of water in the first 24 hours.

4. Keep it Cool

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
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Heat sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and radiators can often dry out a tree much faster than you can water it, so it’s best to locate your tree away from heating elements and heating vents, and out of direct sunlight.

5. Use LED Lights on Your Tree

ANGHI
ANGHI
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LED lights emit hardly any heat. This will actually keep your tree from drying out too soon. It also reduces the risk of fire.

6. Check the Water Level

Chrissy townsquare media
Chrissy townsquare media
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Your real tree will be very thirsty and take in a lot of water. You will need to check the water level every day. You may need to top off the water each day.

7. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
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Your Christmas tree should last four to five weeks before it dries out too much. When your tree has given you its all, you can find a local tree recycling program. Or you can use the branches in your perennial beds as mulch.

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