sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

For the record, I am a fake-tree lover. We have a nice fake tree up right now in my living room. All decorated and pretty.

I know nothing about real trees. DH just called and said he got a free real tree at work. I don't have heart to tell him no.

I cry when I see trees cut down in yards. I know I have a problem.

Tell me...what do I need?

-A tree stand thingy?
-Does the water go in there?
-How often do I water it?
-Am I going to be allergic to pine needles?
-Is it going to go on fire if I put lights on it?
-Will it have BUGS??

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

-A tree stand thingy? YES. I SUGESST A STURDY PLASTIC ONE. I GOT MINE AT TARGET A FEW YEARS AGO AND IT IS GOING STRONG
-Does the water go in there? YES. THERE IS USUALLY A LITTLE DIP IN THE STAND FOR YOU TO POUR WATER. I USE MY WATERING CAN.
-How often do I water it? DAILY. THOSE THINGS DRINK UP WATER, ESPECIALLY IN THE BEGINNING
-Am I going to be allergic to pine needles? HMMM...I AM A PRETTY ALLERGIC PERSON AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM
-Is it going to go on fire if I put lights on it? NO. JUST KEEP IT WELL WATERED AND TURN THE LIGHTS OFF BEFORE BED
-Will it have BUGS?? I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BUT IN ALL THE YEARS WE'VE HAD A REAL TREE (4 OR 5), I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BUG.

GOOD LUCK!!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

@ will it have BUGS?

idk why but that just made me laugh so hard.

to answer your questions
yes you need a stand
drinks water really fast at first (check it every few hours for the first 48, to be safe). after that, every couple of days.
it will not go on fire as long as it doesn't dry out (you'll know - needles will start to fall off with reckless abandon)
no you will not have bugs.

be careful if you have any pets - they like to drinky the water sometimes!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

best supplement with the water is sprite. and make sure to water it EVERYday, you don't want a fire!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

They've answered your other questions but I wanted to show you what I consider the best tree stand we've ever bought:



It's wide, stable, the screws keep it in place well, and has a very nice sized reservoir for the water.

Don't get the metal cheapie types where the legs hook into a center dish. Terrible.

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

Everyone else gave great answers, I just want to add:

When we would have real trees growing up, my mom would also take a water bottle and spray the pines every other day or so (in addition to the water at the bottom. You want that baby to be as hydrated as possible!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

thanks guys!!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

with love

seriously.. water constantly. that's the best advice

get a sturdy tree stand. Can't tell you how many tree's i had that didn't stand up right due to a dinky tree stand. You need one with a wide base and sturdy screws.

watch out if you have pets. our kitties love to try and get in there to drink water and eat the needles/ornaments. we keep garland off the lower branches since that can really cut up their insides if they eat it

have fun!!

Re: sigh. how do you take care of a real tree?

one last suggestion (although it may be a no-brainer): Don't put the tree near your heating vent/baseboard. This could pose a fire hazard and dry out the tree.