Fresh Christmas trees stay green longer and are less of a fire hazard than dry trees.
Checking for Freshness:
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Fresh trees are green
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Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches
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Fresh needles do not break when bent between fingers
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Trunk butt is sticky with resin
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A shower of falling needles when the trunk is bounced on the ground = tree is too dry
Caring for Trees:
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Cut off about 2 inches from the trunk for better water absorption
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Trim branches as necessary to set trunk in base of stand
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Keep water filled while tree is indoors.
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Keep tree away from heat sources; heated rooms dry tree faster