5 Essential Tips To Do Now To Keep A Fresh Christmas Tree In MN

If you’re putting up a real Christmas tree in Minnesota, you’ve actually got less time to work with again this year. But if you want that beautiful pine to stay fresh instead of drying into a Charlie Brown special, these five expert tips will keep your tree merry, bright, and standing strong through December 25th.

The Season May Be Shorter This Year, But These Tips Still Apply

Seeing as the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is nearly 5 days shorter this year than in some other seasons, you might be putting your Christmas tree up any day now. Or maybe you already hauled out the holly and decorated your place for the holidays over the weekend.

At our place, my wife and I always get a real tree for Christmas each year. We love the real pine smell they add to the house each season. And if you're getting a real tree, too, here are five things the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association says you should do to make sure your tree doesn't turn into a dry pile of kindling by the time jolly old St. Nick heads down the chimney this year.

ALSO INTERESTING: Thanksgiving Leftover Deadline Quickly Approaching!

Why Minnesota Is One of America’s Top Christmas Tree States

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is actually one of the top states when it comes to producing Christmas trees. AgMag says the North Star State ranks 11th in the country and is home to over 60 Christmas tree farms. Their sales add around $7 million to Minnesota's economy each holiday season.

5 Expert Tips to Keep Your Real Christmas Tree Fresh Longer

So, if you have a real tree this year, here are five important tips that will help keep your Christmas tree green throughout the holiday season in the Bold North.

1) Make a fresh cut. - Before you bring the tree inside, re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom just before putting it in the stand. Even if you just cut it on a choose-and-cut farm, this re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water.

2) Choose a spot in your house away from heat sources. Even your TV or computer can generate heat that real trees don't like!

3) Water immediately. You'll want to use warm water initially, too, and use a stand that can hold around a gallon of water.

4) Don't add anything to the water. There's an old wives' tale out there that says it's better if you add sugar, but research has found that trees prefer plain 'ol tap water better.

5) Check the water daily. If the water level drops below the fresh cut, the stem will reseal and be unable to drink. It's not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

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