It is important to think in advance not only about a safe purchase, but also about how to properly bring the Christmas tree to the house, install it and how to take care of the tree so that it lasts as long as possible.
How to transport it?
Wrap the tree with a special net or burlap, pressing the branches towards the top, and tie it with a rope. Usually, Christmas trees are sold already packed, which greatly simplifies the task. Carry the tree with the top facing backwards. And before entering the entrance, turn it around.
If possible, do not bring the tree directly into the flat. If it is -10 °C and colder outside, the tree can quickly crumble due to a sharp temperature drop. It is advisable to keep it in the entrance for a while.
How to install?
Remove the packing net from the tree, slightly saw the base of the trunk and remove a few centimetres of bark. This is necessary to rid the lower part of the trunk of resin, which will prevent the tree from absorbing moisture.
You can install a Christmas tree in different ways. The easiest is in a special stand. In this case, before installation, it is advisable to wrap the cut place with a damp cloth, which will need to be periodically moistened. The ideal option is to put the Christmas tree in a container with sand, which will need to be watered every two to three days. The lower part of the trunk should be immersed in sand at least 20 cm.
Whichever method you choose, the lower branches will most likely have to be cut off so that they do not interfere with the installation of the tree.
How can you extend the life of the Christmas tree?
Do not put the Christmas tree next to a radiator. It can dry out quickly.
Do not overload the branches with tinsel.
Spray the tree regularly. If you have a humidifier, move it closer to the tree.
Add to the water for irrigation an aspirin tablet and a couple of tablespoons of sugar per 1 liter.
Does cutting down Christmas trees for the New Year not harm the environment?
According to Greenpeace representatives, today, New Year trees are harvested without harming the forest. Most often, they are grown on special plantations or cut down in nurseries where spruce seedlings were grown for reforestation, but were not used and outgrew.
Of course, we are talking only about officially harvested trees. That is why it is so important to buy spruce trees at specially organized markets or in shops, and not by hand, so as not to encourage illegal logging.
