If your tree sits dry for a while, you are going to have to re-cut the trunk. Once it seals up with sap, it won't drink. If it dried out, you watered it, and it's not drinking – you need to cut the trunk. Yes, this is a nightmare to do on an already decorated tree, but a dead Christmas tree is a huge fire hazard.
An effective watering method is to place a sprinkler directly below the tree so the spray reaches the entire root system. Use an old can to measure when the sprinkler has produced about two inches of water. When the water hits this line, turn off the sprinkler.
Once your Christmas tree has been cut, it can last for about six to eight hours without water. A well-kept tree can last on average four to five weeks, but it all depends on the type of species you're working with. Pine Christmas trees can last a week or two more is they're properly cared for with routine watering.
When a tree is out of water, even for just an hour, sap leaks out and congeals, sealing the base of the tree - which means the tree can't absorb water anymore. So the trick is to keep the water topped up at all times, but be extra vigilant in the first 48 hours.
You should spray your tree with room temperature water at least once a day but only when the Christmas lights are off and unplugged. Spraying your tree daily will reduce the dryness, prevent excessive amounts of needles from falling off, and make the tree more resistant against fire and flames.
Saving an Underwatered Tree
For example, a tree with a diameter of three inches needs about 15 minutes of watering. You want to water deeply enough to moisten the entire root system at least two inches deep. A hose or watering can will work well, but don't let too much water accumulate on the bark.
You can usually revive a half-dead tree, but a tree that's 100% dead should be removed. If you've been wondering, “can you bring a dead tree back to life?” an arborist's professional opinion will always come in handy.
it will likely take a few months to rehydrate the full 2- to 3- feet of root zone soil. But that doesn't mean you should pass on watering in a dry fall. If you have to prioritize watering, go for the newly planted trees. They don't have the extensive root systems of a mature tree and most need the extra help.
Gently run your hand over a branch. The needles on a fresh tree will be pliable. Those on a dry tree will be brittle. Another test is to lift the tree by the trunk and lightly bounce the butt on the ground.
Additives provide no real benefit. The keys to keeping a Christmas tree fresh are to place the tree away from any heat source (fireplace, heater, radiator, etc.) and keep the tree reservoir full of water.
If it is in a pot, take it out and set it on a surface where it can drain. If it is in the ground, you will need to dig it up and replant it in a new location. Be sure to choose an area that has well-draining soil. Once you have relocated your tree, it is important to monitor its watering schedule closely.
It could take up to 48 hours before your tree starts to drink. If you find that your tree is not drinking after this time, try adding hot (not boiling) water to your tree stand. This will help break up any hard sap deposits that may be blocking the water intake.
If it is dry down to your knuckle, it is time to water it THOROUGHLY. THOROUGH watering is quite misunderstood. It means soaking the entire root system that the tree came with all the way to the bottom, plus wetting the soil about a foot out from the root ball.
If your tree sits dry for a while, you are going to have to re-cut the trunk. Once it seals up with sap, it won't drink. If it dried out, you watered it, and it's not drinking – you need to cut the trunk.
Addressing dehydration involves a combination of proper watering techniques and maintenance practices to restore your trees' health.
Start by relocating your tree away from heat sources. Running a humidifier in the room can also help extend your Christmas tree's life. As a last-ditch effort, O'Connor says you can consider trimming the stump to improve water absorption.
Leaves often show the first and most obvious signs of dehydration. Your tree's leaves or needles may wilt, curl, droop, turn yellow or brown, or even start showing fall color early. Some species of tree – including linden, ash, hickory, and black locust – may drop their leaves early.
You cannot overwater your Christmas tree.
For example, water movement in a ring porous tree like a red oak is 92 ft/hr, in a diffuse porous tree like a basswood is 11 ft/hr, and for a pine tree is 6 ft/hr. Trees can absorb between 10 and 150 gallons of water daily, yet of all the water absorbed by plants, less than 5% remains in the plant for growth.
Branches and needles become stiff and brittle. Will often lose needles. Bleach out to a pale green or yellow-green. Unlikely to develop a new crack if wood is dry.
The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
Be sure to replace the water that the tree has used each day and don't allow the stand or cut tree end to dry out. You do not need to add any extra supplements to the water. Do not add sugar, aspirin, bleach or floral preservatives. Research has shown plain tap water is all that is needed to keep your tree fresh.