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How to pick a live Christmas tree + keep it alive throughout the season

Posted at 1:45 PM, Nov 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-30 15:45:15-05

Michael Caron, Utah State University Extension Horticulturist, shares his secrets for making Christmas greenery stay beautiful and healthy. For more information, go here.

When picking out a tree, check for these things:

  • Needles should feel soft
  • Test for needle drop
  • Local vs. imported (pick whichever one looks the freshest)

Tips for keeping your Christmas tree alive:

  • Cut base to open the water conducting vessels
  • Store base in water until ready to decorate
  • Place on stand with water - give your tree more water than you think it needs
  • Choose a good location in the home
  • You can keep it alive to plant in your yard, but you need to transfer it into a pot and keep it either on your porch or in your garage until Spring.

Tips for Poinsettias

  • Only water once a week
  • You can choose any color, many are now painted and decorated with sparkles
  • You can get them to last through the Christmas season if you take care of them