Holiday tree tips and tricks

Does your Christmas tree have a drinking problem — as in, it won't? Or maybe you've noticed it looks a bit orange around the needles? Ever wonder how it can give off the smell of fresh-cut trees throughout the holidays?

Here are the answers to those questions and others from Jan Donelson, executive director of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association.

Tree Water

Q: What should I put in the water?

A: Besides the tree, nothing. No aspirin; it doesn't have a headache. No soda pop; it doesn't need the sugar. Plain water is all that's needed.

March Leaves Its Mark

Q: Why does the tree have an orange line around it, and some of the needles are brown?

A: Brown needles on a tree are old needles. It's normal for trees to shed their inside needles and the wind usually helps the process. That's why trees are shaken before you take them home.

The brown needles also could be what's called "winter burn" or injury. Sometimes in late winter, typically March, the weather turns sunny and warm, but there's still snow on the ground. The sunlight bounces off the snow and onto the trees, burning the needles, creating orange or brown areas on the tree.

Not a Drinker

Q: Why doesn't my tree take up water?

A: Was a fresh cut made at the bottom of the trunk right before setting it up inside? Did the water pan ever go dry? A tree can seal itself with sap in as little as 15 minutes.

To get it drinking again, make a fresh cut or drill holes in the trunk below the water line.

Keep the tree away from heat vents, radiators, fireplaces and south-facing windows.

Green Trees, Please

Q: Why are trees dyed green?

A: They're not dyed, but many are misted with a green colorant in the field before shipping.

"Greening," as it's called, is only done to pine trees (Norway, Scotch, white). Spruce and fir trees don't get that treatment; they don't need it. Pines, however, lighten in color as the season moves from fall to winter. People want the lush green of fall, so tree farmers mist them "green."

Needle Drop