Tree Tips, El Segundo

Keeping that Fresh, Sprucy Tree … Fresh
Once you’ve selected your tree, make sure the tree “professionals” cut about 1 inch off the trunk above the base while you’re at the lot. This removes clogged wood from it that prevents the tree from taking in water.

I know it’s exciting to take your tree home and put it up right away, but DON’T! (if you didn't cut it down yourself). The first day at home, your tree should absorb about a gallon of water. I do a lot of flower arranging and the same is true with fresh cut flowers. Cut them, then plunge your fresh item into a large bucket of water. Check every 4-6 hours to see if re-watering is necessary.

Why is this important? A tree that is well hydrated is less likely to become a blazing inferno. Really, isn't this what we're all after?!

How to keep a tree fresh and perky:
~ Regular tap water without anything added is fine as long as you do not allow the tree to dry out (if it dries out, it can’t absorb moisture as well once re-watered)
~ If you are compelled to add stuff to your tree, then save your change and mix up 1 quart of water, ½ cup light corn syrup, and 1 TEASPOON liquid bleach. Why? Water keeps it watered. Corn syrup gives it sugar (and everyone needs a little sugar to spice up life now and again!). ~ The bleach kills all the growing science experiment that forms when water stands, becomes room temperature, and dust or whatever else from the ornaments falls into it. Just make sure your cat/dog keeps to the toilet bowl for her drinking water.

Ready to light that baby up?
~ Of course, check the lights. You already know that.
~ If you don’t want your forearms looking like you have a pox upon you, then don dishwashing gloves (they also help save your manicure, Precious!)
~ Work from the inside base and move to the outer edges. There’s a big debate in my family whether to wrap individual branches or string the lights in a spiral manner, but I’ll spare you.
~ For a 6 foot tree, you need about 400-600 lights; for an 8 foot tree, 600-800
~ Once the lights are on, add the garland. For a 6-foot tree, you need 85-90 feet of garland; for an 8-foot tree, 130-145 feet.
~ For ornaments, start with your filler ornaments (solid color balls, apples, etc.) then add your special ornaments.
~ You need about 20 “filler ornaments” for every 2 feet of tree. Or an overall total, for a 6-foot tree, you’ll need about 85 total ornaments; for an 8-foot tree about 200
~ To add dept and interest, hang ornaments both on the outside of branches and on the inside of them

I am feeling very good now that I have taken my kids to a Christmas parade and completed TWO trees (one fake, one live). On to decorating the outside of Chez Dish.