OSU Extension: Keeping your live Christmas tree fresh through the holiday

Connie Smith
·5 min read

Starting with a fresh tree is essential to good needle retention and tree keepability. The best way to ensure a fresh tree is to cut one yourself at one of the choose and cut farms located throughout Fairfield County. You might want to check out the local Foods Guide for an updated list of Christmas Tree Growers at https://fairfield.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/local-foods-guide

If you are not able to get your tree up right away, be sure to keep the tree in a cool, protected spot such as a garage, with the cut end in a bucket of water. If you buy a tree from a tree lot or a garden center, you can check the tree for freshness by doing the pull test. Gently pull on a shoot with your thumb and fingers; if the tree is fresh, you should not have any needles come off in your hand.

Fresh cut – Be sure cut 0.5 to 1 inch off the base of the tree right before you put it in the tree stand to help the tree resume water uptake. After trees are cut at the farm, the cut end will begin to dry out and resin can clog the water conducting tissues in the trunk. These factors will limit water uptake, so re-cutting the end aids in allowing the tree to take up water and keeping the tree hydrated. Re-cut the base of the tree before putting it in the tree stand to help the tree resume water uptake.

Fresh water - A fresh tree can use up to 1 quart of water per day for each inch of diameter on the cut end. A typical 7-foot-tall tree may have a 3-inch trunk diameter, so will need up to 3 quarts of water per day. If your tree is taking up a lot of water, this is actually a good sign and indicates the tree is fresh and hydrated. Be sure to replace the water that is used each day and don’t allow the stand to dry out. Do not add sugar, aspirin, bleach or floral preservatives to the water; plain tap water is all that is needed to keep your tree fresh.

Home for the holidays

The holidays were always a big event in my family with lots of food, fun and family togetherness. I never realized how much time and effort it took my parents to get ready for the holidays until I had a family of my own. The weeks leading up to the holidays can be stressful, so here are three simple ideas I do to help prepare and I hope it helps you too.

Declutter and Clean

Over the course of a year, we gather a lot of junk that takes up space. Before cleaning, consider purging instead of jumping right into cleaning. During November, I take time each day (only 20 minutes a day) to declutter my desk, small closets, and even the refrigerator to make room for holiday foods. Seeing a clean space feels very motivating! Once decluttering is done, let the cleaning begin! You don’t have to tackle everything but basis like dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the toilets can be done in a short amount of time.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen usually becomes more important during the holidays since we spend time baking and cooking. If you will be preparing this holiday season, consider making a menu, then create a list of everything you need before making a trip to the grocery store, saving both time and money. Check your cupboards to see what items you already have!

Decorating Main Spaces

Finally, it’s time to decorate! I tend to feel overwhelmed with this task and so I began by decorating only the main living and dining areas. The bedrooms usually get a holiday throw pillow or blanket and a candle. In the kitchen I use seasonal dish towels and placemats. And of course, my holiday wreath on the front door!

The weeks ahead can be hectic. Following these simple tips and being mindful of your time beforehand can help ensure that you will be able to enjoy your family time together.

Author : Shari Gallup, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Licking County, gallup.1@osu.edu

Planning for the future

OSU Extension of Fairfield County invites you to participate in this 2023 Workshop “Planning for the future of your farm."

This workshop is designed to help farm families learn to successfully create a succession and estate plan that will help transfer farm ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. Join us in welcoming OSU Farm Management Field Specialist, David Marrison, and Attorney with OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program, Robert Moore.

Workshop Topics will include:

  • Developing Goals for Estate and Succession

  • Planning for the Transition of Control

  • Planning for the Unexpected

  • Legal Tools and Strategies

  • Developing Your Team

  • Selecting and Attorney

  • Communication and Conflict Management during Farm Transfer

It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Fairfield County Agriculture Center, 831 College Ave. The cost is $30 and covers two family members and one set of course materials. Lunch is included, courtesy of Farm Credit-Mid America. Cash or check accepted the day of the event.

Register: Visit go.osu.edu/farmplan2023 or call 740-653-5419

Questions?: Contact Carrie Brown, Extension Educator at brown.2766@osu.edu or 740-653-5419

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Keeping your live Christmas tree fresh through the holiday