It is essential that fresh trees be mounted in a water stand as soon as possible.
If you cannot put the tree in a water stand right away, store it outdoors where it will stay cool and receive moisture.
Just before you put the tree in the water stand, make a fresh cut on the bottom of the trunk. Evergreens ooze a sticky sap that seals the base within an hour or two unless kept wet. Add very warm (not boiling) water to the stand. This will dissolve any sap that may seal the trees vascular system.
When you bring a fresh tree indoors, allow it a day to warm so it will be more flexible for decorating purposes.
If the fresh cut on the base of the trunk has been allowed to dry slightly, you can usually dissolve the sealing sap by adding a quarter to half cup of rubbing alcohol to the water in the stand. Monitor the tree closely to see if the sap dissolves and the tree begins to take up water again. If not, the trunk will have to be re-cut.
In order to deliver a tree mounted in a water stand, the water is removed during transport. A fresh cut was made just before the tree was mounted, and water was kept in the stand until just before delivery. The tree should not have sealed itself.
As a precaution, add a quarter to half cup rubbing alcohol to the water when you first refill the reservoir.
Closely monitor the water level in the stand, especially the first day or two. When trees are indoors, they can soak up as much as a gallon of water a day.
Display trees away from sources of heat or drafts.
Holiday Greenery and Wreaths
Greenery and wreaths will last the longest if they are kept cool. Avoid using them near heat vents, fireplaces or in the direct sunlight indoors.
Keeping cut green and wreaths where it is humid will extend their freshness.
When possible, mist cut greenery and wreaths to replenish lost moisture and keep them fresh.
Wreaths and greenery can be sprayed with an antidesiccant such as WiltPruf. It will seal in moisture and help them last longer.
Store greenery and wreaths in a shady area outdoors where they will be exposed to rain or snow as long as possible before using them indoors.
If cut greenery are used in flower boxes or planters that contain soil,
make a fresh cut on the ends of the branches going into the soil
so they can absorb available moisture.
Flocked Trees and Wreaths
Flocked trees should be mounted in a water stand just like any other fresh cut tree and should be cared for in the same manner.
Flocking makes a trees more flame-retardant than an unflocked trees, but the flame resistance is greatly increased with the tree in kept in a water stand with a constant supply of water.
Flocked trees, wreaths and greenery should be kept where it is as cool as possible. Avoid drafty locations or heat sources.
Flocking is a cellulose product that is applied by a machine that sprays both a fine mist of flock and water at the same time. After flocking, the tree is misted again with water and dried slowly. This process insures most of the flock will bond to the needles, but it isn't unusual for a little flock to come off when the tree is handled.
By law, all fresh trees, wreaths and greenery displayed indoors in a public
space (including businesses, schools, churches, store and malls)
must be either flocked or sprayed with a flame-retardant product
by a licensed applicator.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh flower arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding flower design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh flower arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
