Before you read further, please see our December 2023 experiment on line 4 1. Be familiar with the variety of the tree you purchased and it's life span after being cut. Especially when Thanksgiving falls early.
2. Upon receiving your tree and before displaying inside, unwrap tree and shake vigorously all the previous years dead, brown needles free from the tree.
3. Store in a cool, shaded place until you are ready to display. Cut a disc off the trunk of your tree 3/4" to 1" thick, then immediately display inside in a water holding stand.
4. Water your tree with cold, tap (unfiltered/non-softened) water multiple times daily keeping water level full in the stand at all times. Your tree may drink heavily several times a day for the first few days. Keep a close watch and don't let the stand become dry. 2023 December experiment: *12/7/2023 5pm brought in an 8' subalpine tree to a 69 degree room with fresh cut and put right into stand with water to the very top (1.5 gallons). 12/8 8am added 64oz water. 12/9 8pm no water, stand dry at 36hours. Tree is not salvageable. It is critical that you water your tree many times daily within the first week...If you forget or neglect to water the tree just once in the morning, the tree will be gone within hours.
5. Keep your tree away from sources of heat: heater vents, fireplaces, windows facing the sun.
6. Turn off all lights displayed on your tree before leaving home or going to bed. Extended periods of lighting will dry your tree.
7. If you forget to water your tree and the stand becomes dry. Attempt to revive your tree by removing the tree from the stand, cutting off 3/4" to 1" from the trunk and replacing it in the stand keeping filled with water. Following the tips above is not a guarantee your tree will survive (we do not guarantee our trees) but does mean you are giving your tree it's best shot for survival.
8. If you are displaying in a business be sure to follow your state and local fire codes.
Each year we let our friends at Hogle zoo enjoy a few treats.