I just picked up our 2009 Christmas Tree, or “Non-denominational wintertime holiday fir tree” as we like to call it. In an effort to keep this thing from becoming a pile of pine needles before the weekend was over, I did a quick scan online for some basic watering tips. And according to the National Christmas Tree Association (yes, there is one of those), here is what you need to know:

• 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.
• Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
• Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.

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• (Q)Will tapering the base or cutting it at an angle increase the area that takes up water?
  (A)No. This reduces the surface area of plant tissue that absorbs water molecules. Once the water level falls below the exposed surface on a tapered trunk, drying will begin. An angle or “V” cut will require more water depth to cover the cut surface. It also makes the tree more difficult to hold upright in a stand and less stable.
• (Q)Should I add bleach, aspirin, fertilizer or other things to the water to make trees last longer?
  (A)No! Research has shown that plain tap water is needed. Some commercial additives and home concoctions can actually be detrimental to a tree’s moisture retention and increase needle loss. Water holding stands that are kept filled with plain water will extend the freshness of trees for weeks.
• (Q)How large should my water stand be?
  (A) Choosing a large capacity stand is one of the most important steps to maintaining tree freshness. Avoid small “coffee cup” stands. Check the water level frequently since trees can drink large amounts of water each day, particularly pre-cut trees during the first week of display. Generally, a tree can use up to one quart of water per day for each inch of stem diameter. Therefore, a stand that will hold a four-inch trunk should hold at least one gallon of water with the tree in the stand.

Some more here. And if you are looking for some good music to go with your tree, check out my Christmas Music Playlist.