The Christmas tree is a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many, if not all, of our homes. If you’re like many families on St. Maarten, the race to acquire a real and perfect tree begins in the month of December. This means two to three weeks of trying to keep your tree looking green and fresh until Christmas Day.
If you are an early tree shopper and want to ensure your tree keeps smelling pine fresh and looking Christmas green, here are a few steps you may want to take note of this holiday season.
Picking and packing
The first step is picking the right tree. Most trees are bundled in such a way that it’s almost impossible to assess the length of the branches and if everything falls well and evenly in place; no one wants an unbalanced tree. Don’t feel shy to ask to see the tree unbundled; most vendors have everything in place to repackage your tree and get it ready for transport once you’re satisfied.
Transporting
When transporting your tree, it is wise to place the top of the tree, which is the weaker end, facing towards the rare end of the car. This prevents the wind or other obstructions from pushing and bending the tree top. Again, nobody wants an unbalanced tree.
Placement
Choose and clear a location for the tree. Never near an open flame or heat sources to prevent drying out prematurely. Corners are good places to put trees, this keeps the tree safe from knocks and bumps.
Setting up
Have a good tree stand that can hold at least 2 litres of water. Just like receiving a rose and putting it in water right away, it’s good to cut an inch off the bottom trunk before putting your tree into water. Cutting off the end will help with the moisture absorption and is key to maintaining your tree until the New Year.
Regular check-ups
Assign someone to check that the tree gets water every few days. If the water runs out, then the base of the tree will dry over and form a resin coating preventing water from being absorbed in the future.
The secret to keeping your Christmas tree fresh for weeks is simply good basic care. Treat your tree as you would a bouquet in a vase, and it will bring you Christmas joy and a fresh pine scent for weeks to come during this holiday season.
