Care for a fresh-cut tree is provided by Cypher’s Tree Farm website.

Cut a quarter-inch to half-inch slice off the bottom of the trunk no more than 24 hours before the tree is placed in water.

A coarse saw is best. Do not use a reciprocating saw, which can cause the sap to seal off the drinking mechanism of the tree.

Expect the tree to drink lots of water for the first few days, and keep the reservoir full.

While several recipes are available to prolong the life of your tree, the best way to keep it fresh and lively is to never let it run out of water. Without water, the sap will harden quickly and the tree will stop drinking. The tree will use less water each day. Slowly the sap will harden and slow the xylem from drinking.

To prevent a fire hazard, keep the tree away from heaters, fireplaces and registers.

Remove your tree before it becomes dry. A dry tree is a fire hazard.

A properly maintained tree should last three to six weeks or more.