When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree:

Displaying trees in water in a typical reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.

Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a V-shape. This makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.

Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.

If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.

To display the tree indoors, use a stand with an adequate amount of water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.

Keep the trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.

Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does NOT improve water uptake.

Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights; will reduce drying of the tree.