Care of a Christmas Tree
Store your tree in a cool, moist place, preferable standing in a container of water, (inside an unheated garage) or (under a deck) until you are ready to set up the tree up. Do not remove tree wrapping at this time. This will help the tree retain its moisture. You can store the tree for 3 to 4 weeks in a cool area out of the wind and sun without damage to the tree.
When you are ready to set the tree up in your home, cut one-half to one inch off the
base of the trunk. This will help the tree to absorb water.
Place your tree in a stand and fill it with fresh water. Hot water may be beneficial but no stand additives have proven to be more effective than plain water. If you allow the
water level to drop below the fresh cut, a new seal will form over the stem.
Display your tree in a cool place but out of a draft. Fireplaces, radiatiors, and other heat sources can prematurely dry your tree.
Remember: trees are very thirsty. To replenish moisture lost during storage they may drink between 2 pints to over a gallon of water a day. Therefore, use a water-bearing stand with a capacity of a gallon or more. Check the stand twice daily and supply fresh water as needed.