Over the next few weeks, North Carolina families will visit choose-and-cut farms, tree lots, farmers markets and shopping centers in search of the perfect fresh Christmas tree for their holiday decorations.
It’s important to know how to care for the tree once you get it home.
“For many families, choosing the perfect Christmas tree is the start of their holidays, and giving your tree proper care will ensure it stays fresh throughout the season,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Keeping your tree hydrated will help prevent accidents that could ruin the holidays.”
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers the following tips to care for fresh Christmas trees:
If you can’t set up your tree immediately, put it in a bucket of water in a cool, shady place.
Cut off a half inch from the base of the tree before placing it in a stand.
Use a stand that will hold at least a gallon of water.
Check the water levels often. A tree may take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and a quart per day after that.
Place tree away from heat sources, such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators and sunny windows.
Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring.
Do not overload electrical circuits.
Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Remove tree from your home promptly after Christmas and recycle it.
North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation. Plenty of rain and recent cold temperatures have helped the 2014 crop be one of the best in recent years.
To make the search for the perfect tree easier, the department offers an online directory at www.ncfarmfresh.com. Visitors can search by location to find Christmas trees near their home or close to where they might travel over the holidays.