What do you do if your Christmas tree isn’t drinking water?

QUESTION: What do you do if your Christmas tree isn’t drinking water? We filled up the reservoir, but the tree doesn’t seem to be taking anything in. – John E

ANSWER: There are a variety of factors that can come into play if your Christmas tree isn’t drinking the water you have provided to keep it fresh. Make sure to keep the receptacle in its Christmas tree stand filled with tap water. Additions such as pennies, vodka, sugar, and other mix-ins that are rumored to help keep trees fresh can actually cause the tree not to drink its water, so use plain tap water with no additions. 

If your tree was cut more than six to eight hours prior to being placed in its water supply you will need to cut the bottom of the tree again so it is able to drink the water from the Christmas tree stand. If it has been more than six to eight hours since your tree was cut, you’ll need to remove a slice from the bottom of the tree that’s between a quarter of an inch and an inch thick. Make your cut straight across instead of at an angle. Cutting the tree straight across makes it easier for your tree to drink water and also helps the tree to stay securely upright in its stand. 

It does not help to drill a hole in your tree or to remove bark from a tree that’s too wide for its stand, as the bark helps the tree to absorb water. Make sure to use a stand that’s large enough for your tree and to keep it filled with fresh water. Stands that can hold at least a gallon of water are recommended. Also, keep in mind that it may take a few days for your tree to start drinking water after it has been freshly cut, and this delay is normal.