So, why do you put aspirin in Christmas tree water?
Opinions differ on the efficacy of an aspirin pill in the water of your Christmas tree. While some swear that it keeps the tree fresher longer, the National Christmas Tree Association’s Christmas tree specialists assert that there is no proof to back this claim.
They do, however, give additional advice for maintaining the freshness of your Christmas tree.
Purchase a Fresh Tree
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it is best to purchase a tree within three to six hours after its cutting. After this time period, the pores in the tree’s stump will allow air to enter, diminishing the tree’s capacity to absorb water.
However, since many individuals buy trees that have been lying on tree lots for days, if not weeks, the Association suggests cutting a half-inch off the end of your tree’s stump right before immersing it in water.
The newly cut stump will allow for increased water absorption by the tree’s pores.
Maintain Its Hydration
The easiest approach to ensure that your tree remains fresh for as long as possible is to ensure that it is constantly supplied with water.
Utilize a tree stand with a huge capacity that can carry at least a gallon of water. Check the water level daily, since Christmas trees are notorious for using a lot of water, particularly during the first week you own one.
According to the Association, the typical Christmas tree “may use up to one quart of water every day for per inch of stem diameter.”
Never Trim the Trunk’s Sides
Certain individuals own Christmas tree stands with spaces for the tree’s stump that are just too tiny for the tree they ordered. In these instances, the natural impulse is to cut the stump’s sides to fit the tree into the stand.
The Association advises against this, recommending that the diameter of the tree trunk be matched to the diameter of the tree stand.
The stand should be neither too huge nor too little. Pruning or cutting the stump’s sides reduces the tree’s capacity to absorb water.
Take Additional Measures
If you’ve trimmed the bottom of the tree’s stump and maintained the tree well-watered in a properly sized stand, but the tree still isn’t absorbing water, try adding hot water the next time you water it.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, hot tap water might sometimes stimulate a slow tree to absorb more water. Additionally, the Association recommends you exercise patience if your tree does not seem to absorb water immediately.
Ironically, the newest trees (particularly those cut by the tree owner) sometimes do not absorb water immediately since they have not had time to dry up. Consider the needle retention of your tree rather than the water level in the stand when determining its freshness.
So, you may try and put aspirin in Christmas tree water and see if that makes any difference. If that doesn’t help, try the suggestions made by National Christmas Tree Association. They will work for sure.