Snow flurries could be right around the corner for the City of Raleigh. This time of year, many people are either getting ready to pull out their winter holiday decorations or have already done so. Red, green, silver and gold decorations can be seen throughout the city already and the hum of holiday music can be heard inside stores.
Although we still have over a week until the Fraser fir goes up at the state Capitol building, you might be eager to welcome a fresh-cut pine tree into your home. Arguably, one of the most important factors in keeping the tree thriving throughout the holiday season is fresh, clean water right straight from the tap, that Raleigh Water maintains year-round. This raises the question: How much water should our holiday trees be slurping up to prolong their shelf life?
Close up of Lighted Branches of a Christmas tree
Hydration is key. Within the first 24 hours of welcoming your holiday tree inside, it can absorb up to one gallon of water. Be prepared and keep that Raleigh Water flowing.
Drink up. Your tree might be decorated with hundreds of twinkling lights, sentimental family ornaments and sparkly garland but the job isn’t done yet. Your fresh-cut tree needs plenty of water (Raleigh Water has you covered). Be sure to continuously refill the basin. Avoid letting the cut end of the tree be exposed to air. On average, a tree can absorb up to a quart of water per day for every inch of diameter on the tree’s trunk.
Overwatering. Good news; you can’t overwater the tree! However, if you underwater your tree that becomes a little trickier. Just remember hydration is key.
Skip the old myth of adding anything extra to the water to prolong the tree’s life. Fresh, clean water (preferably Raleigh Water) is the way to go to keep the tree looking healthy for the holidays!
