Christmas tree: Expert shares advice on caring for trees
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Real Christmas trees look and smell wonderful during the festive season, adding vibrancy, light and a splash of colour to short, wintery days. However, real Christmas trees need constant care and attention in order to keep them thriving until the Twelfth Night and beyond. Jade Robertson of leading flower delivery service Prestige Flowers has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk the four key bits of advice people should remember in order to get the most out of their Christmas tree.
Jade said: “Picking a real tree is a big part of Christmas for many people and you want to make sure it’s still looking great in the first week of January.
“In the same way, you should spend a bit of time trimming, arranging, positioning and watering a bunch of flowers when you get them, the same should be said for Christmas trees.”
Add sugar
One of Jade’s most unusual tips was to use a kitchen staple – sugar – to “brighten up” Christmas trees. Often, sugar is used to invigorate and brighten up cut flowers in vases.
The same method can be used for Christmas trees with some experts claiming the tip works acts as artificial sap or food for the tree, helping it thrive for longer by giving it extra nutrients.
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If you don’t have specific food for your Christmas tree, try mixing a bit of sugar with lukewarm water.
“Sugar can be used to brighten up flowers and the same can be said for Christmas trees,” said Jade.
“Try a small amount mixed in with warm water and added to the reservoir at the base of your tree.”
Trimming
If cared for properly, Christmas trees should stay fresh for around five weeks.
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Homeowners will need to ensure they give the tree’s trunk a trim so it can absorb plenty of water.
Jade added: “About half an inch should be fine and remember to trim it straight across, not at a slant as you would do with flower stems.”
Positioning
Next comes the decision on where to position your tree. While many will naturally place theirs in a window at the front of their home, it might actually cause damage to the tree’s festive foliage.
Jade said: “Ideally you should keep your tree away from heat sources which could dry out your tree.
“If your windows get a lot of sunlight then you should avoid placing your yuletide evergreen in front of them.
“For the same reason, you should also avoid putting a tree in front of a radiator or anywhere else where it might be damaged by heat.
“If your tree gets too dry it will significantly reduce its lifespan.”
Watering
Once your tree is in the right position it’s important to keep it fresh by watering it regularly.
Jade said: “How you water your tree will depend on the kind of stand you have but if yours has a reservoir then make sure the water is just above the base of the trunk at all times.
“If your tree dries out it won’t last as long and the needles will start to drop.”
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Christmas trees need watering every day in order to keep them looking plump and full, according to B&Q.
Trees that are dehydrated will start to droop and will wilt. Add around 500ml of water each day to the tree.
Those with potted Christmas trees are encouraged to re-plant their mini trees so they can enjoy them next year.
Jade said: “Replanting your tree is a great way to be more environmentally conscious and will save you money when it comes to next year.”
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