Christmas tree: Expert shares advice on caring for trees
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Fresh Christmas trees are favoured by many, offering a fresh scent the entire time they are in the home. An expert has shared top tips on looking after a festive tree, including top tips when it comes to watering the tree. Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, said: “Having a real tree at Christmas really adds to the festive feeling, they look great and they’re better for the environment.
“However, a lot of people worry about keeping their trees looking fresh and healthy throughout the holidays and many of us are doing things that are damaging our Christmas trees without even realising like exposing the tree to too much heat.
“There are a few things you can do to make sure that your tree stays looking fresh and healthy right up until Christmas.”
Britons should make sure they keep their festive tree hydrated, especially if it is located in a room which is heated often.
Chris added: “You’ll be surprised by how much water your tree will consume. They can drink up to several litres of water in the first couple of weeks.
“Christmas trees will typically consume around one to two litres of water a day so make sure you keep an eye on water levels and top this up when necessary.”
Signs your tree needs water include more pine needles dropping as well as brown tips which all suggest the tree is dehydrated.
If your tree doesn’t get any water, sap will reseal the bark within a few hours, preventing the tree from drinking any further water even if it is given any.
To reduce stress, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), recommended displaying them in a cool room, and placing the tree outdoors if it looks unhappy.
DON’T MISS:
Use banana peel in the garden to provide plants with ‘advantage’ [COMMENT]
Eight easy methods to ‘protect’ your garden plants from frost [INSIGHT]
‘Simple’ methods to dry wet laundry ‘sufficiently’ in winter [EXPLAINER]
The gardening expert added: “Be mindful of where you set up your tree and how many lights you have decorated over it.
“For example, avoid putting your tree too close to the fireplace or radiators, this will only cause your tree to dry out quicker.
“Try spritzing water over your tree regularly to keep it hydrated but be sure to avoid spraying any electrical lights or decorations for health and safety reasons.”
If you are yet to put your Christmas tree up or even buy one, there are a few things to be mindful of to help make it last longer.
This includes making sure to purchase a healthy tree, and ensuring it doesn’t have any brown needles which suggest it is already dying.
Chris noted: “Another trick is to buy a tree that is in some shade – this tree will be used to having less sun so it won’t be too much of a change for when you transfer it inside.
“When you purchase your tree, the seller will already cut the bottom of it. But before putting the tree up, it’s a good idea to give it another cut.
“Sap will have formed at the bottom of the trunk from the first trim in an attempt to heal the tree’s wound. Giving it another trim before placing it in water will remove this, allowing for much better water consumption.”
One expert explained that it may be worth inspecting the tree before bringing it inside to see if there are any pests on it.
Deemer Cass, Christmas tree delivery and installation expert at Fantastic Services, explained: “Most Christmas tree insects are content living inside the tree, but not off of it.
“Your home’s environment is not suitable for them to venture out, so they will die before ever leaving the tree.
“The majority of Christmas tree farms take precautions to ensure that their trees are relatively pest-free.
“Some farms carry out pesticide spraying measures, then shake the trees and spray them down to get rid of any possible bugs that might be on them.
“However, before bringing the tree inside you can inspect its branches for bugs or eggs and give it a good shake.”
Source: Read Full Article