Cool, moist trees are happy trees. So lower your thermostat. Don’t place the tree near a window facing the sun or near a heating vent (or if you do so— close the vent). Water your tree immediately when it arrives home, add some tree preservative, and check the water level every day.

If you don’t water right away, we recommend that you fresh cut the tree before putting it in water. If your tree dries up in spite of your best intentions, all is not lost. Remove the water with a turkey baster or wet/dry vacuum; drill small holes through the bark around the base, BELOW the water line; and refill the container.

Lightly spritzing your wreaths, garlands and tree—being mindful of lights and ornaments—will also prolong their beauty. But please remember that yourtree began dying the moment it was cut down. So a tree purchased for Thanksgiving may not retain its freshness throughout the entire holiday season.

It’s that time of year again — let the REAL vs. ARTIFICIAL tree debate begin.

Have you thought about the impact your tree has on the environment? The choice is clear — buy a real tree and recycle it. Then you can feel good for making a positive contribution to the environment this holiday season. To learn more about the sustainability of real trees click here.

Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gasses and emit fresh oxygen. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), every acre of Christmas trees grown produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people. Farms that grow Christmas trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often Christmas trees are grown on soil that won’t support other crops. Real Christmas trees are grown on farms just like any other crop making them a renewable resource.

Artificial trees are a petroleum-based product manufactured primarily in Chinese factories. The average family uses an artificial tree for only six to nine years before throwing it away, where it will remain in a landfill for centuries after disposal. According to The Sierra Club, “PVC products are dangerous to our health and the environment from start to finish — in the factory, at home, and in the trash — releasing poisonous chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects.” Many people are afraid of real trees catching fire but artificial trees can catch fire as well. However, the smoke produced from PVC is much worse than that created by a real tree.