WITH the right kind of TLC, your Christmas tree should last around five weeks before it starts to look a bit drab.
That means you can stick it up now and ensure it lasts all the way through till the new year.
Most experts recommend buying your Christmas tree during the first week of December to ensure it isn’t brittle come the big day.
But if you’ve already had it up since the end of November, all is not lost.
Fabulous spoke to the experts at 100Green about the top five things you can do to have an enviable tree all Christmas long.
1. Make the fir fizzy
Much like other house plants, our Christmas trees sometimes need a little more than just water to look their best.
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And according to the experts, fizzy drinks are your ticket to a healthy tree until the new year.
“Cans of full-fat fizzy pop, such as 7UP or Tizer, are full of citric acids and sugar which can help to keep your tree fresh,” Amy Barker, Head of Marketing at 100Green, said.
“The glucose in the sugar of these drinks, or other similar citrus fizzy drinks, can help prevent needle loss and drooping.
“However, it’s best to not use any additional treatments (outside water) until you start noticing some drooping or wilting.”
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2. Get hot and steamy
While fizzy drinks are a rescue remedy for a sad tree, daily watering is the best way to ensure it lasts the test of time.
But the first time you water it, make sure you pour boiling water to initially open up the stems – it’ll help them absorb water better for the next few weeks.
“When the tree is initially cut, a sap forms to protect the area and can prevent the tree from soaking up water,” Amy explained.
“By using boiling water, you’ll help to rejuvenate this, while also helping the tree to open up and soak up water from future watering.
“Once you’ve done this first boil water, 500ml of cold water each day will help stop your tree wilting or drooping.”
3. But then keep it cool
Apart from the first pour of boiling water, it’s important to keep your Christmas tree cool.
“Avoid placing your tree close to heat sources like radiators, log burners or fireplaces as the heat can dry out the tree faster than you can water it,” Amy advised.
“It’s also recommended to avoid direct sunlight.”
Keeping your tree by a heat source can also be a fire hazard as the warmth can rapidly dry out the bristles, putting them at risk of catching a spark.
4. Opt for LED lights
Not many people are aware that the type of Christmas lights you string around the tree can affect how long it lasts.
“LED lights emit very little heat which helps the tree to not dry out as quickly,” the experts said,
“Not only this, but LED lights are far more energy-efficient, which is always useful for this time of year.”
5. Shop local
A lot of the real trees people buy have been grown in other countries and travelled thousands of miles already before they get into our homes.
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“To ensure you’re getting the most out of your tree from the get go, always buy from a local farmer,” Amy said.
“When you go to pick your tree, make sure it is freshly cut. You’ll know it is if your provider cuts the trunk further before you take the tree home.”
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