A freshly cut Christmas tree lasts up to four weeks on average if you treat it right.

Technically, once a Christmas tree has been chopped down, it is dead. But when we cut and move a tree, we break and bruise the branches and the bark. As long as the tree is fresh, sap will ooze from the wounds.

How to Stop a Tree From Dripping Sap

1. Prune the Tree. In some cases, you can stop a tree from dripping sap by pruning it.
2. Apply a Pruning Sealant. Pruning alone won’t necessarily stop a tree from dripping sap.
3. Apply an Insecticide. It’s also a good idea to use an insecticide on any tree that’s dripping sap.
4. Be Patient.

Douglas Fir. You can expect it to last about four weeks.

A 2010 study at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point confirmed that keeping fresh-cut trees watered will reduce needle loss, refuting claims that watering a dead tree is pointless. However, the study’s author, tree scientist Les Werner, says additives such as sugar, aspirin or even vodka don’t help.

The key to maintaining a fresh Christmas tree is to keep the bottom 2 inches of the trunk immersed in water, even if that means refilling the stand every day. Keep your tree hydrated and reduce needle drop by adding 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees for every quart of water added to your tree stand.

Follow this rule of thumb: For every inch of the trunk’s diameter, fill the stand with one quart of water. Even though you’ve heard people talk about adding things like bleach, corn syrup, aspirin, and sugar to the water, tree preservatives and additives are probably unnecessary.

You can have the lot do it before you leave if you’re headed for home, but you should wait if you’re going to be out more than four hours. Otherwise, the end will glaze over with new pitch, and the tree won’t take up water. Now you’ll have to fit the tree into the stand.

Cut Christmas trees can last anywhere between four and six weeks if you give it up to three pints of water a day and keep it away from heat.

Learn How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh for the Entire Month of December

1. Put the tree in water as soon as possible. Remember: You’re bringing home a live plant.
2. Trim the trunk.
3. Water, water, water (and maybe try additives).
4. Be cautious of heat sources including lights.

Charles Dickens

The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”

God bless us, Every one!