What to Do if Your Christmas Tree Is Dying From Dehydration

Fresh Christmas trees get blamed for most fires during the holiday season. The biggest reason for this is when the tree has stopped drinking water, it dries out. The best way to prevent this disaster is to keep your tree hydrated. With proper care for your tree, you can keep it alive for two to three weeks.

Let's find out how to take care of your Christmas tree.

How Much Water Should Your Christmas Tree Drink?

An average Christmas tree can use up to 3,79 litres of water a day. The rule of thumb is that the tree needs 0,95 litres of water for every 2,54cm of the tree trunk's diameter.

Like with most plants, if you give the tree too much water the bottom of the tree or the roots will rot and the tree will die. If it gets too little water the leaves will turn brown and fall off.

How Do You Rehydrate a Christmas Tree?

1. Saw off about an inch of the bottom of the tree trunk. Saw it flat for the best result.
2. Plant the Christmas tree in a stand and fill it with water.
3. Check the water level every day and refill the water when it drops below the trunk level.
4. Make sure it is not close or next to a heat source like a fireplace or a heater, as the heat will dehydrate the tree.

Do not add any chemicals or things to the water, just use plain tap water. This will help to care for or revive your dying potted Christmas tree in the house. Be aware that once the Christmas tree is dead, however, it cannot be revived.

How Long Will a Christmas Tree Last After It Stops Drinking Water?

After a fresh cut, a Christmas tree can last 6-8 hours out of the ground. After that it needs water. Water a Christmas tree needs every day. Without water, a tree will only last for a few days.

If the tree shows symptoms of not drinking water like losing and turning brown leaves, you should immediately start treating the tree.