How to care for your fresh Christmas tree

Make a fresh cut: Immediately before placing it in the stand, cut about 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water.

Use the right stand: Choose a sturdy stand that can hold at least one gallon of water and keep your tree upright.

Hydrate immediately: Fill the stand with water as soon as you get the tree inside. Using hot tap water initially can help the tree drink more.

Store properly: If you can't put the tree up right away, store it outside or in a cool, shady spot in a bucket of water. 

Water daily: Never let the water level drop below the trunk. A tree can drink up to a gallon of water a day, especially in the first few days.

Use plain water: The National Christmas Tree Association recommends using plain tap water, not water with additives such as sugar.  Plain water is best.

Avoid heat: Position the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents, as heat will dry it out quickly.

Use cool lights: Opt for LED or other low-heat lights and ensure they are in good condition to reduce the risk of fire.

Turn off lights: Turn lights off when you leave the house and before going to bed to prevent the tree from drying out and to save energy.