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Cut Christmas Tree Care
Introduction
The holiday season is officially here, and now is the perfect time to bring home a fresh-cut Christmas tree. Our garden center is filled with gorgeous Frasier firs straight from the Shenandoah Valley, plus a variety of fresh greenery designs to fill your home with that classic seasonal fragrance. Shopping early not only gives you the best selection, but also helps your tree stay fresh longer once it’s in water.
Choosing a Fresh, Healthy Christmas Tree
Our trees were cut in late November, making them incredibly fresh and ready to go home. When you’re browsing, take a moment to inspect each tree closely. Look for vibrant, rich-green needles and a solid, sturdy trunk with no splitting or visible damage. Check the ground around the display: avoid trees dropping healthy green needles, as this can be a sign of stress. (A little brown needle drop is totally normal!)
And remember: there’s no perfect Christmas tree. Select the one that feels right for your space, your style, and your family’s traditions. If it makes you smile, it’s the right one.
Set Up for a Long-Lasting Tree
Once you get your tree home, give the trunk a fresh cut by trimming 1–2 inches off the bottom. This opens up the tree’s pores so water can be absorbed more easily. Place it in water immediately after trimming—don’t wait, or the cut will seal back up.
After it’s secured in its stand, check the water level daily. Christmas trees are thirsty at first, so refill as needed to keep the reservoir full. Plain tap water works best: skip add-ins like bleach, aspirin, fertilizer, or sugar.
To keep your tree looking great for weeks, position it away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Space heaters, ovens, fireplaces, vents, and baseboard heaters can all cause needles to dry out prematurely.
Decorating Safely
When decorating, choose LED lights instead of older styles that get hot during use. Check strings for damaged wires and unplug lights when you’re not home or not awake—it’s safer, and your tree will thank you.
What to Do With Your Tree After the Holidays
When the season winds down, recycling your Christmas tree is easier than ever. Local services—like those listed at CVWMA—collect trees and turn them into mulch. You can also create your own mulch at home by chipping or chopping the trunk and branches for your garden beds. Or give the tree a second life outdoors: place it on its side at the edge of your yard to create winter shelter for backyard birds.
Conclusion
Stop by soon to pick out your fresh Christmas tree—we’re ready to help you find the one!
If you have any questions that weren’t answered or need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better!
Connect with Strange’s:
Instagram: @StrangesRVA Facebook: @Strange’s Florist
Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200 West Broad: 804-360-2800
