I was one of the many crazies out there yesterday and much to my surprise I saw people with REAL trees on top of their cars headed home. How do you make the tree last that long without drying out and becoming a fire hazard?????? I am going to have to get our tree early because I'll be headed back down to SoCali for the holidays and we want to have a Christmas party here before we go. I'm already worried about coming home to nothing. I do NOT want an artificial tree.. I don't have allergies to pine or sap and want to keep my family's tradition. Any ideas or suggestions for preserving those real trees?
I think I'll try the corn syrup and maybe the tree additive. I think with the fact that my granny used to have her tree right in front of a heat vent that that is what made it dry out so fast. Never thought of it! Maybe I should tell her as well! Thank you moms!
My husband always adds corn syrup to the water. The trees usually lasted until the New Year.
We have gone to artificial though because my daughter seems to be sick the whole time the tree is in the house.
This is what I have been trying to figure out too! lol..A couple of my co-workers said they always go the day after thanksgiving to get their real trees and they last til Christmas..just to make sure they always have water and one said to mix sugar into the water to help it last longer...
Im thinking of getting my tree either tomorow(sunday or early this week)..
Flocked trees last a long time and take no water. I didn't like the idea at first, but once we got one we are not going back. They claim the flocking isn't hazardous to anyone.
J.,
A living tree...and to eliminate your obvious irritation about other Mama's advertising their business, on the "A lttle about me"...simply add your website name with a note...visit me! I'd like to see what you're all about besides being a Mama.
Merry Christmas and Blessings.....
Our tradition: we usually go out and cut our tree on the first day Hester Creek Christmas Tree Farm opens (Old San Jose Road outside of Soquel). We always keep our tree well watered and some years we have used an additive as mentioned above. We take it down right after Christmas -- never had any excessive dryness that you are concerned about.
Of course the tree lot trees have often been cut down earlier and have already been without water for some time.
... and of course after we cut it we go out for hot chocolate on the way home!
I have found that the Christmas tree solution you can buy from the growers keeps them fresh longer. Also make sure to buy one of the better quality ones that hold the moisture longer like a Noble Fir. When choosing one, feel the needles for dryness and choose one that feels plump and moist.
If you're concerned about fire hazard, LED lights are a great option because they don't get hot, not to mention they take less electricity. Also make sure the tree is placed well away from heater vents (or cover it) or fireplaces which will dry them out. I think that's all the ideas I have for now. :)
Happy Holidays!
