Christmas Tree

[itsallyellow]

What is the best way to keep my tree alive over Christmas. It a Norwegian 'NeedleFur' ( i think). The branches have brown little pods on the end of them that stick out in groups of three. Its been in my home a week now, gets plenty if sunlight and the stand it is in us full of water but its seems to be shedding more needles than I anticipated. Also the trunk and thicker branches have gone very squigy and droopy. Any help as to what I could to at least make it last till Boxing Day???

[Clanad]

Probably an exercise in futility, however one thing you could try is to add a little (perhaps 1 teaspoon every 3 days) of liquid plant fertilizer to the water. (You do have the tree in water, don't you?) Additionally, although it would be difficult to accomplish now that the tree is up and decorated, it's best to saw off an inch or so of the trunk when you bring the tree home, just before placing it in the stand. Most evergreen trees are actually harvested in October or November (some as early as late August) and the original cut tends to glaze over and dry out with the trees attempt to preserve itself. This makes it difficult or impossible for the tree to absorb water. If your tree has started to drop the needles, as you have described, don't expect miracles, unfortunately.... but in any case, Merry Christmas!

[itsallyellow]

Dammit! Oh well thanks for the advise I'll know for next year. Merry Christmas to you too.

[logman]

It could be a Norway spruce you have or maybe its a nordman fir, latter becomming increasingly popular in recent years.

The Nordman tends to hang onto its needles for longer. But your best bet is to buy a pot grown tree, not to be confused with a "potted" tree", which has been only stuck in a pot with some earth, just to fool the public.The pot grown one is better value because you can use it year after year and when its eventually too big plant it in the garden.