Can One Resuscitate a Fading Holiday Pine Tree?
Can One Resuscitate a Fading Holiday Pine Tree?
December 25 is yet to arrive, but your radiant, festive Christmas tree is starting to appear less than festive. It's a bit of a bummer, to put it mildly.
You're wondering if there's a chance to revive this fading holiday icon. Can a dying Christmas tree be brought back to life? Here's what the professionals have to say.
Tim O'Connor is the CEO of the National Christmas Tree Association.
Can You Revive A Dying Christmas Tree?
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but the answer isn't promising.
"It's not very likely to revive a dying Christmas tree," says Tim O'Connor, CEO of the National Christmas Tree Association. "Once the tree has been cut in the field, it begins to deteriorate much like a cut flower. There are practices that can extend its shelf life, but eventually, it will reach its end."
Best Practices To Extend The Life Of Your Christmas Tree
O'Connor recommends starting with selecting a fresh tree. After that, make a clean cut on the trunk to expose the veins (the veins can become sealed over with sap, preventing water absorption). Place the tree in water right away after the fresh cut and never allow the water supply to run dry.
Signs Your Christmas Tree Is Dying
Unfortunately, live Christmas trees will inevitably lose their life. If you suspect your tree is in distress, it probably is.
Common signs your Christmas tree is failing include dropping needles, browning or discoloration, sagging branches, and even a musty smell. The tree will also stop absorbing water as it approaches the end of its life.
Common Causes Of A Dying Christmas Tree
Christmas trees, whether cut or potted, can suffer from environmental stress, improper watering, and poor preparation, leading them to an early demise. Proximity to heat sources and inconsistent humidity levels and bringing the tree inside too early are also frequent issues. A cut Christmas tree can last 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the tree type and care given. So if you brought home a live tree before Thanksgiving, the chances of it making it to Christmas are slim.
How To Help A Dying Christmas Tree
While you can't rewind time or correct past mistakes, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your dying Christmas tree.
Start by moving your tree away from heat sources. Using a humidifier in the room can also help extend your Christmas tree's life span.
As a last resort, O'Connor suggests trimming the stump to promote water absorption. "It would be possible to make a fresh cut on the trunk to allow water absorption again," he says, "but that is quite difficult to do at that point and it may already be too late to be successful."
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Despite your efforts to keep it alive, a dying Christmas tree is unlikely to revive, according to Tim O'Connor, the CEO of the National Christmas Tree Association. To extend its life, select a fresh tree, make a clean cut, immediately place it in water, and never let the water supply run dry. Additionally, avoid heat sources, maintain consistent humidity levels, and consider using a humidifier.