Caring for Cut and Container Trees

• Never use candles or any other open flame near the tree. Don't place your tree next to a fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher near the tree, just in case.
  
• Use only UL-approved lighting. Check the cord for any fraying, and be sure the lights are working properly.
  
• Always unplug lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
  
• In public areas, many trees are sprayed with a flame retardant, but a well-watered tree in a safe place is prevention enough for the home tree. You can add a preservative (available from the tree farm or garden center) to the water to help keep the tree from drying out.
  
• Check the water level in the tree stand everyday. Put a plastic tarp underneath the tree stand or container to protect the floor from water damage.

• Even though the tree may have been cut only an hour ago, the trunk needs a fresh cut to help the tree absorb water. Re-cut at least an inch from the bottom of the trunk before placing the tree in a stand.
  
• If you're not going to set the tree up indoors right away, put the cut end in a container full of water and store it in the garage or some other sheltered space. It will stay fresh this way for several days. Re-cut the tree trunk another inch before bringing it inside.
  
• Because any tree will have some dead needles on it, tap the tree trunk lightly against the ground outside to remove the dead needles.
  
• Be sure the tree stand has plenty of water in it. Fresh-cut trees can absorb a gallon of water each day.

• Immediately bringing the tree indoors might cause it to break dormancy and begin to grow. This would cause damage to the roots and foliage when it's taken outdoors again after the holidays.
  
• Store a live tree in a garage or other unheated, sheltered space for 2 to 3 days.
  
• Move the tree carefully by the container, not the tree, to avoid damaging the roots through mishandling.

Having a live tree in your home for the holidays is a unique touch. The real goal here is to keep the tree healthy. Once the tree is ready to be brought indoors for decorating, follow these guidelines:

• To keep the tree dormant and in better shape for later transplanting, keep the tree indoors for no more than 5 to 7 days.
  
• Keep the tree away from heat sources. Close any heating vents nearby to prevent the tree from drying out.
  
• Also keep the tree away from drafts because temperature fluctuations are stressful to the tree.
  
• Some experts advise against using decorative electric lights on the tree. Chris Dawson suggests that they can be used in moderation--just be sure to use them for short periods of time.

When the time comes to move the tree outdoors again, remove all decorations and then place the tree in a garage or sheltered area again for a few days. This will help the tree reacclimate to outdoor temperatures. After a few days, it can be planted if the ground is not frozen or if you pre-dug the hole.

If you live in an area where the ground is frozen at this time of the year and you don't have a pre-dug hole, you'll have to wait until spring to replant the tree. After the holidays put the tree in a sheltered, unheated area for a few days. Choose a sheltered outdoor area that doesn't get direct sunlight and isn't exposed to a west wind. If your tree has a root ball, plant it in a temporary container.