Tree Care and Recycling

Tree Care

Make a Fresh Cut

To make it easier to put in a stand, cut off about half an inch from the base of the tree, making sure you cut it level. Then put it in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between this fresh cut and when it is put into water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water.

Anyone working at Sparky’s Christmas Trees will be happy to make this fresh cut for you before you take your tree home.

Put Your Tree in Water

If your tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, then store it outside in a bucket of water. When inside, use a stand with an adequate water reservoir for your tree.

Try to use a stand which fits your tree to avoid whittling down the sides of the tree. This is because the outer layers of wood are the most efficient at taking up the water and should not be removed. The temperature of the water is not important and does not affect the uptake.

Water Daily

Displaying trees in water with proper care helps needle retention. Check the stand daily and make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. Some stands may still have water in them even though the base of the tree is not submersed.

Check stands for leaks. An average tree will drink up to one gallon (4 litres) per day. if the water level drops below the cut in the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the tree. So do not forget to add water every day.

Fire safety

Do not overload electric circuits. Our advice is if you have a damaged light set in any way, then don’t attempt to repair it. Throw it away and buy a new set. Always turn off your lights before leaving the house or retiring for the night.

Never use lighted candles and keep the tree away from other heat sources such as heating vents, radiators, fireplaces and wood burners. Not only is it safer, but it will help prolong the life of your tree. When Christmas is over, remove the tree from your house and find out about your local recycling programme from your local council.

Recycling

Recycling a tree is easier than you may think

Most local councils now have a location where you can take your tree to be recycled or chipped. Some even let you take the chippings back home for mulching etc.

This BBC article has useful tips on facilities for recycling Christmas trees in Wiltshire.

Sparky’s Christmas Trees also has one location where we will do the same. Please phone for details. Be careful not to miss the dates as this is only for one or two days after Christmas.

Optional removal and recycling

For a small fee, Sparky’s Christmas Trees will take your tree out of your tree stand and remove it to be recycled into mulch or woodchips after Christmas. We will also vacuum up any needles that may have fallen during removal.

Only trees purchased from us can be removed. All we ask is that all decorations, including lights, be removed prior to our arrival. You may select a pick-up time and date (am or pm) from the dates shown, when placing your order.