Heber Valley Christmas Tree Care
How to Keep a Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Fresh
Utah homes are dry in December, and a warm living room pulls moisture out of a cut tree fast. The good news: a few simple habits keep your tree green, fragrant and holding its needles all the way to Christmas.
This guide from Country Gardens & Nursery covers the fresh cut, the right stand, how often to water and how to keep your tree safe in dry Heber Valley air.
Start Fresh
Pick a Fresh Tree First
A long lasting tree starts on the lot. Run a branch through your hand: the needles should bend, not snap, and very few should fall off. Lift the tree and tap the trunk on the ground. A shower of green needles is a sign it has already dried out.
Douglas fir, Noble fir and Nordmann fir are all good choices for needle retention. See what came in this season on our Christmas trees page.
Step by Step
Christmas Tree Care From Lot to Living Room
- Make a fresh cut. Cut about one inch off the bottom of the trunk right before it goes in the stand. A straight cut across, not a V or an angle, lets the tree take up the most water.
- Get it in water fast. The cut end starts to seal over with sap after several hours out of water. Get the tree into the stand as soon as you can after the cut.
- Use a big enough stand. Plan on roughly one quart of water for every inch of trunk diameter. A 5 inch trunk needs a stand that holds at least a gallon.
- Check the water every day. A fresh tree can drink a gallon or more in the first few days. Never let the level drop below the base of the trunk, or it seals and stops drinking.
- Keep it cool. Place the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, wood stoves and vents. Lower the thermostat a little at night if you can.
- Use cool lights. LED lights give off less heat than older bulbs. Turn them off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Plain tap water is all your tree needs. Additives like sugar, aspirin or bleach do not help it last longer.
Dry Utah Air
Keeping a Tree Fresh in a Heber Valley Winter
How Often to Water a Christmas Tree
Check every morning, and top off twice a day for the first week. Keep a watering can with a long spout near the tree so it is easy to reach under the branches.
Fight the Dry Indoor Air
Heber homes run dry once the furnace kicks on. A humidifier in the room helps the tree and your skin. Keep fresh garland and wreaths away from heat, too.
Is My Tree Drying Out?
Run through this list every few days. If you notice more than one of these signs, keep the stand full and plan to take the tree down soon.
- Needles Brittle needles that snap instead of bend
- Shedding Lots of green needles falling with a light touch
- Water level The stand stops going down for a day or two
- Color and scent Dull color and a fading pine smell
Not Ready to Set It Up Yet?
Keep the tree outside in a shady, sheltered spot or a cool garage, standing in a bucket of water. Give it a fresh cut right before you bring it in.
When to Take It Down
A well watered tree usually stays fresh for about four to five weeks. Once it is dry and dropping needles, take it down, since a dry tree is a fire risk.
Common Questions
Christmas Tree Care FAQ
How long does a fresh cut Christmas tree last? With a fresh cut and daily watering, most fir trees stay fresh for about four to five weeks indoors.
Should I put anything in the water? No. Clean tap water works best. Commercial additives and home remedies do not make a tree last longer.
Why is my tree not drinking water? The cut end has likely sealed with sap. This happens when the water level drops below the trunk or the tree sat too long before going in the stand.
When do Christmas trees arrive in Heber? Our trees arrive ahead of the holiday season and sell first come, first served. Check our Christmas trees page or call (435) 654-5936.
Find Your Tree
Fresh Christmas Trees in Heber City
Visit Country Gardens & Nursery at 1401 South Highway 189 for fresh cut Christmas trees, gifts and holiday decor, open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm. Still shopping for the people on your list? Browse our holiday gift guide for gardeners.