A real Christmas tree can add charm and fragrance to your home during the holiday season, but keeping it fresh can be a challenge. One of the most important steps in maintaining the health of your tree is ensuring it gets enough water. There are countless recommendations online for “miracle” solutions to add to Christmas tree water, but are they really beneficial? Here’s the truth about what you should—and shouldn’t—put in your Christmas tree water to help keep it looking merry and bright all month long.
What to Put in Christmas Tree Water
The best thing you can put in your Christmas tree water is… nothing special at all. In fact, plain old tap water is the most effective way to keep your tree healthy. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, commercial additives or homemade mixtures often do more harm than good. They can interfere with the tree’s ability to absorb water, potentially leading to increased needle loss and premature drying out.
The key to keeping your Christmas tree fresh is consistency. Make sure the water level in your tree stand is always full, especially during the first few days after you bring it home.
What Not to Put in Christmas Tree Water
While plain water is all you need, many people are tempted to add various substances to their tree water in the hopes of making their tree last longer. Here are some common additives to avoid:
1. Epsom Salts
Some believe that Epsom salts, which contain magnesium, can help keep Christmas tree needles green and healthy. While magnesium is important for plant health, your tree doesn’t need it in its water. Trees naturally produce the nutrients they need, and adding Epsom salts won’t improve the tree’s longevity.
2. Sugar
Sugar is another common recommendation for Christmas tree water. Some people believe that sugar serves as “food” for the tree and can extend its life. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Sugar doesn’t benefit the tree and may even encourage the growth of mold, which can harm the tree.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin has been suggested as a way to reduce mold, keep the needles greener, and prolong the life of your tree. However, no studies show that aspirin has any positive effects on Christmas tree health. In fact, it may do more harm than good by altering the tree’s natural processes.
4. Bleach
Some people add bleach to their tree water to prevent mold or bacteria, thinking it will keep the tree fresh. In reality, bleach can damage the tree’s tissues and potentially harm its ability to absorb water. Using bleach in the water can have the opposite effect, leading to quicker deterioration of your tree.
5. Soft Drinks
It may sound tempting, but pouring soft drinks like Sprite into your Christmas tree water won’t help the tree at all. While the sugars in soda might seem like a natural way to “feed” the tree, they have no positive impact on its longevity. Stick to plain water for the best results.
How Often You Should Refresh Christmas Tree Water
Watering your tree daily is the most important thing you can do to keep it fresh throughout the holiday season. During the first week after bringing your tree home, it’s especially crucial to ensure that it gets enough water, as this is when it will absorb the most. After that, continue to water your tree every day to prevent it from drying out.
Make sure that your tree stand is large enough to hold at least 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. It’s better to err on the side of too much water than too little, as trees know their own drinking limits and will absorb water as needed. To help you remember, you might consider using a water monitor to track the water level in your tree stand.
Conclusion
Keeping your Christmas tree fresh throughout the season is simple when you stick to the basics: tap water is all you need. Avoid adding sugar, aspirin, bleach, or other substances, as they won’t benefit the tree and could even cause damage. Regularly refill the tree stand with water to ensure it stays hydrated, and enjoy the beautiful fragrance of your fresh tree all month long!
