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MYTH: Adding aspirin to Christmas tree water makes the tree last longer

Submitted by ThompsonShuswap on Mon, 09/26/2022 - 11:16
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Thompson Shuswap

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

Add an aspirin (or chlorine bleach, borax, vinegar) to prevent bacteria from building up in the tree stand’s water reservoir. Or add corn syrup (or sugar, molasses, honey, soda) to nourish the tree. These are just a few of the additives promoted to make your Christmas tree last longer.

THE FACTS

Not one of the above-mentioned ingredients has been shown to do any significant good. Contrary, some ingredients may adversely affect the tree.

The best thing to fill a Christmas tree stand’s reservoir with is plain old tap water!

But the most important factor in keeping a tree adequately hydrated is the freshness of the tree trunk itself.

A fresh cut reopens pores that absorb water.

  • It’s recommended you cut one-half to one inch off the tree trunk right before immersing it in the tree stand water.

Monitor tree stand water levels regularly – a tree can drink up to ONE LITRE OF WATER PER DAYPER INCH of trunk diameter.

Lower the temperature in the room where the tree is situated. And locate tree away from fireplace and heating duct.

Source:
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION
https://realchristmastrees.org/

 

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Christmas Tree Care Mythbuster_0.pdf 282.74 KB