Where the perfect tree for you and your family is waiting for you to choose it.
207-985-3778
di-dave@holmestreefarm.com
We are open the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed Mondays
When a Christmas tree is cut, typically over half of its weight is water. With proper
care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of
tips relating to the care of displayed trees:
1. Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most
effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
2. Make a fresh cut to remove a 1/4” to 1” thick disk of wood from the base of
the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to
the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes
it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of
water available to the tree.
3. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go
6-8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut
surface or get it dirty.
4. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location.
Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
5. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding
capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of
water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a
constant water level in the stand.
6. Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to
fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water
and should not be removed.
7. Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents,
direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process,
resulting in less water consumption each day.
8. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does
not affect water uptake.
9. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below
the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the
stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
10. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
11. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying
of the tree.
12. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with
a new set.
13. Do not overload electrical circuits.
14. Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
15. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it
from the house.
16. Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your zip code to find a recycling
program near you.
17. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
