LISLE, Ill., (Chambana Today) —With the shopping season underway for live Christmas trees, The Morton Arboretum’s tree experts offer seven key tips for choosing the best tree and keeping it fresh through the holidays.

“Live evergreen trees are commonly purchased for Christmas weeks before Dec. 25,” said Arboretum Plant Clinic Manager Spencer Campbell. “If the tree dries out, it could become a fire hazard. But a well-cared-for tree with consistent water can last all through the holiday season.”

The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic supplied this list of tips for preserving an evergreen tree’s freshness and can provide free advice by phone or email for those with questions about Christmas tree or other plant care.

1. Ensure the tree and stand are a match. Just as fresh-cut flowers need a vase, a cut evergreen needs a proper tree stand. If purchasing a new stand, keep in mind it should hold one gallon of water at a minimum to ensure the tree stays sufficiently hydrated. Bring the stand to the Christmas tree lot—that way, it’s there for comparison against the width of the tree’s trunk. Avoid whittling down a trunk in an attempt to make it fit the stand. Water vessels are located just beneath the bark, so if severed, the tree will quickly dry out.

2. Decide on a suitable evergreen species. Some evergreens retain moisture and hold onto their needles longer than others. Some are more fragrant, less sharp, or have stronger branches for hanging ornaments. Common species sold in the Chicago area include Fraser fir, balsam fir, concolor fir and Scots pine. Learn more about different kinds of Christmas trees on the Arboretum’s website.

3. Search for a fresh tree. The more recently it’s cut, the longer the tree will last. The best option is harvesting from a choose-and-cut tree farm. Small local lots also likely have a stock from the last few days or weeks, making them fairly fresh. Wherever a tree is purchased, check it carefully for freshness.

   • How to test for freshness: Needles should be lush green, plump with water, firmly attached, flexible and fragrant. Try running a hand gently over a branch. If many needles fall off or if the needles feel stiff or crackly, the tree is past prime and should not be bought. While it’s normal for an evergreen to lose some yellow or brown needles in autumn, dropping a significant number of green needles is a primary indication that the tree is drying out. It is not recommended to buy a tree if the seller won’t let the customer unwrap it to examine its freshness.

4. Make a new cut. Once the desired evergreen is cut, time starts ticking. If it’s not placed in water within about an hour, the base of the trunk will become sealed by dried sap, which blocks water absorption. To reopen the tree to water, trim about an inch off the bottom, or ask if the vendor can do it before leaving the lot.

5. Water, water, water. If a tree will be kept outdoors for an extended period of time before it’s set up inside, store it in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot or in an unheated garage. Top off the water in the bucket daily. As soon as the tree is in its desired position indoors, fill the tree stand with warm tap water. Check the water at least twice a day and refill as needed. Never allow the water level to fall below the bottom of the trunk. Exposure to air can still cause the cut surface to seal with sap.

   • Use plain water. Don’t add aspirin, sugar or any other substance. Water is all the tree needs.

6. Protect the tree from heat. Stage the tree well away from any heat sources such as radiators, heating vents or fireplaces. Even a very sunny window can dry out a tree. When decorating, opt for newer LED lights that are both more energy efficient and cooler than older incandescent tree lights, which tend to run hot.

7. Routinely check for freshness. Needle loss is normal, but if the tree starts dropping many needles and the branches become brittle, it has dried out. At that point, it’s safest to remove it from the house to prevent a fire hazard.

Stay tuned for more tips from the Arboretum in December on how to dispose of live Christmas trees. The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic is generously sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.