More and more people are setting up their Christmas tree before thanksgiving and keeping them up long past Christmas!  Some have switched to an artificial tree believing that a real tree would not last.  The truth is, that a real Christmas tree can last for a long time when it is care for properly! Here are a few ways to keep the "Christmas spirit" alive in your Christmas tree for the whole Christmas season.  

1.  Make sure your Christmas tree has a fresh cut.  Some big box stores' trees sit for weeks before being sold to customers.  Without a fresh cut your tree will not be able to take in water. This is why at Tim Buhr Christmas Trees you always get a fresh cut before you leave.  If your tree sits more than 6-8 hours give it a fresh cut of about 1inch off the bottom before putting it into your Christmas tree stand.

2.  Make sure to place your tree away from any heat source.  Placing your tree near a wood stove, air duct, or radiator will dry it out.  If your room has a lot of dry heat, make sure to water your tree often.  

3.  Water immediately. After placing your Christmas tree in the stand make sure to water it right away and check the level daily.  A seven foot Christmas tree may use up to two quarts of water daily for the first week or two and then eventually slow down.  

4.  Look for a tree variety that has good needle retention.  Several varieties like Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Turkish fir, White spruce, and Meyer spruce, have excellent needle retention.  You can read about strengths of each variety here.

Following these simple tips will help your Christmas tree last through all your holiday celebrations!