Care

If the tree is not to be put up right away, store it in a protected, shady, unheated area with the tree base in a bucket of water.
To prepare the tree, saw one to two inches off the base of the trunk to ensure water absorption. It is best to make the cut at a slight angle so that the base of the trunk, and the ends of the water carrying tubes located just under the bark, are not pressed against the bottom of the stand.
Use a sturdy stand with a large water reservoir. Water daily. A fresh tree can use up to 4 litres (1 gallon) of water a day, so water daily. Water usage will slow down after the first few days. Water is a factor in keeping the tree fragrant. A tree is beginning to dry out if its water use slows or stops.
Allowing the water level in your stand to fall too low will cause the water-carrying tubes to seal over, and your tree will stop taking in water.
Generally speaking, treat a fresh Christmas tree like a bouquet of cut flowers
Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves, televisions, radiators, air ducts or direct sunlight.
Never use open flames on or near a Christmas tree. The old European custom of lighting the tree with candles, while lovely, is a real safety hazard.
Strings of lights used in decorating the tree should be in good working condition. Turn lights off at bedtime or when leaving for an extended period of time.
A well cared for tree will remain fresh for a lengthy period of time, depending to a large degree on its species.
A real Christmas tree supplied with plenty of water and cared for should not shed its needles. In fact – depending on the type of tree – it could last for several weeks!