The expert gives 7 tips: This is how the Christmas tree will last as long as possible

“A Swiss Christmas tree you buy directly from a manufacturer has many advantages,” says Ottiger. It is much fresher from a large distributor because the gardener or farmer cuts it shortly before it is sold. It is also more environmentally friendly as it eliminates the long shipping route. According to Ottiger, if you buy a Christmas tree from a wholesaler, the tree has already been cut two to three weeks in advance.

“It’s not that easy to define a healthy, fresh tree,” says Ottiger. However, you can pay attention to two things about the needles: “First, it should have an intense color, and second, it should feel elastic and solid when you take it in your hand and move it with your fingers.” According to experts, it is a bad sign if individual needles fall off when touched or their color is dull and dull.

In order for the Christmas tree to last as long as possible, according to Ottiger, you need to cut the trunk horizontally or buy it just like that and in no case sharpen it. The tree absorbs water along the cross-section of the trunk and carries it to the needles.

According to Ottiger, unless you’re setting up the Christmas tree at home immediately after purchase, you should ideally keep it outside in the fresh air in a bucket of water. “The best place is where it is shaded and where the tree gets rain from time to time so it stays nice and moist.” However, if there is a lot of sunlight, it will dry faster.

The expert says: “The Christmas tree can only be stored outside if the temperature does not fall below freezing.” When the temperature drops below zero, not only the water in the bucket freezes, but also the water in the tree’s vascular system. If you then move it from the freezing cold outside into the warm living room, the ice will expand very quickly, which will damage the plant cells.

“The warmer the room, the more water the dry air removes from the needles,” says Ottiger. It makes a big difference whether the temperature of a room is 21 or 24 degrees Celsius, because the Christmas tree loses exponential amounts of water as the temperature increases. That’s why it’s important not to place the Christmas tree directly next to the heater, according to experts. A Nordmann fir can last 10 to 14 days in a room with a temperature of 21 degrees.

Ottiger says it’s important that the trunk of the Christmas tree is in water at all times. “Otherwise it will dry out and its water absorption feature will no longer work properly.” This means the tree will not last very long. “Initially, the boot can absorb a lot of water in a short time, so you usually need to refill the stand after a day.” After that you should check every few days whether there is enough water in the stand.