skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
The Kitchen TableTrees
webuser_929508223

Christmas tree care?

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

Hello all, it has been so long since I put up an Xmas Tree that I am not sure how to take care of mine. The tree in the picture is in my living room this year and I swear it looked like this when I found it, growing on a public golf course not too far from here. NEVER saw anything like it before and it was growing out in the open, just like this with lights and everything and it was real close to the street - got it by the roots too! I am really surprised someone else didn't take it home when they saw it!


My questions are - how often do I need to water it? Will it get bigger and do I need to fertilize. I've heard that putting a couple of aspirin in the water is good for it, does ibuprofen work too? How about pruning?? I think it might need to be staked until it settles in for a long winter's nap. Does this tree attract deer?

I really appreciate any help with this, I want it to last forever!

Have a healthy and fun holiday!

Featured Answer
  • 5 years ago

    This will definitely attract animals ... they come to eat the needles and climb the tree or drink the water from the base. It will get wider and lower, but fortunately this variety doesn't get taller, so it should continue to fit under your ceiling. They do often grow shiny things towards the ends of the branches, which are particularly attractive to animals and children. Sometimes they will also form hook-shaped, striped fruits, which children like to eat; fortunately, these are generally nonpoisonous, though you may want to limit consumption. Staking shouldn't be necessary unless you have a serious animal problem, which can sometimes lead to leaning or toppling; if you have a large enough stand, it should be okay, though.


    That root coiled up on the side looks really long ... you may want to see if you can shorten it to reduce tripping hazard and potential heat build up.

    Comments (25)

    • 5 years ago

      Wait, you dug up a decorated tree from a golf course?

    • 5 years ago

      Was Charlie Brown with you? You should trade him for his.

    • Related Professionals

      Rolla Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Amherst Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brooklyn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jackson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Poplar Bluff Landscape Contractors · Jacksonville Landscape Contractors · Portsmouth Landscape Contractors · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Colorado Springs Landscape Contractors · Reno Landscape Contractors · Eugene Landscape Contractors · Burlington Home Additions · North Adams Home Additions · Sterling Home Additions · Sarnia Home Additions
    • 5 years ago

      Did you also grab the flags stuck in the holes? You could use them to start a new tradition of the 18 days of Christmas.

      tj

    • 5 years ago

      No I didn't dig it up!! What are you thinking?? I Yanked it with a strap attached to my truck, hope the bark didn't get damaged!

    • 5 years ago
      last modified: 5 years ago

      It took some engineering to get it this far! There are only 2 light lines plugged together into a box with trip using three outlets in different rooms - - - will buy short extension cord to replace the long coil! Thanks for the safety tips! This baby throws some heat when on, but don't think any electrical is overheating. Have looked it all over pretty thoroughly. Yep need to go get short extension cord! Everyone have a safe holiday too.

    • 5 years ago

      Seriously, I realize you pulled the lights from that attic that you last used many years ago, but today the LED lights have taken over. While our tree magically appears out of a closet ever year with them, the LED generate less heat which is safer with a live or live cut tree.


      I hope you have a great Christmas with your grandchildren. OR It is good to see you have decided not to be a Grinch ;-)

      Jeb zone5 thanked krnuttle
    • 5 years ago

      I am thinking this post is just a seasonal joke.......right?? None of the OP's comments can be really serious, can they?


      I sure hope not 🤐

    • 5 years ago

      I am confused. Did you seriously yank a live tree off a golf course?? Wouldn’t that be called theft? Maybe this is a joke and I am not getting it.

    • 5 years ago

      The only real question is where’s the leg lamp while the tree is in the window?

      tj

    • 5 years ago

      Keep the long cords, you can leave it plugged in at the golf course that way and save electricity. ;-)

    • 5 years ago

      Do you want the tree to attract deer? You might want to put down newspapers first to protect the floor.

      Jeb zone5 thanked bpath
    • 5 years ago

      No LED's on my tree, too garish. Check for owls living in there :)

      Jeb zone5 thanked User
    • 5 years ago
      last modified: 5 years ago

      This has to be a joke! LOL I'm re-reading all of the comments. I love it!!

      Jeb zone5 thanked Jasdip
    • 5 years ago

      Jeb, you come sit right next to me. We are on the same humor wavelength. Thanks for the chuckles!!!

      Jeb zone5 thanked roxanna7
    • 5 years ago

      My tree is on the wagon. Refusing a drink. Not an ounce all week. I paid $150 for his services and I‘m worried he won’t make it to Christmas.

    • 5 years ago
      last modified: 5 years ago

      So are you telling me if my tree is healthy and likes the conditions in my house the whole tree will be covered with shiny objects? Edible treats too?? This sounds like a recipe for disaster, children and cats won't ever leave it alone! Now I am afraid this wasn't the best choice of tree for my living room. I should have gone with the artificial Ficus tree. Next time.

      later that same night

    • 5 years ago

      Kitty is conspiring.

    • 5 years ago
      last modified: 5 years ago

      Yanking that tree out of the golf course must have left quite a hole, and what about those tire marks where the tires spun. How are you going to pass that off as an ordinary divot? Maybe claim that Paul Bunyon played through. Oh, I know; You are Paul Bunyon and you've tossed us a Christmas tale. You must have pulled that tree out with your Blue Ox.

    • 5 years ago

      Kitties are much better inside than deer.

      Jeb zone5 thanked bpath
    • 5 years ago

      future success ,. in tree time.. counted in decades ... depends on whether you dragged it all the way how attached to the bumper .... or if you slung it in the bed once free of mother earth ... else the severe stress of the dragging might not be beneficial to future life ...


      what a great parody ... i really hope those who are asking if you are kidding.. are the ones who are really kidding ...


      happy festivus .... my favorite part was 'the airing of the grievances'...lol... though the tree would have been easier to get home: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Festivus+tree&t=ffcm&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images


      ken


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR3S690EF2U

      Jeb zone5 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
    • 5 years ago

      @foodonastump if your tree isn't taking up water, you may need to trim the bottom, as a fresh cut can help with the tree has sealed itself off.

    • 5 years ago

      Thanks (and yes this is foas) but we did get a fresh cut at the lot, a couple inches off, and it was in water within 45 minutes Max. I’ve never had this problem before. I was a little leery of the tree to start, but it was a little taller than your standard and this was the third lot we went to and slim pickings for that size. At this point I’m afraid to touch it.

    • 5 years ago

      FOAS, empty the tree reservoir & refill with boiling water.

    • 5 years ago

      Do what ci_lantro told you to do- always fill the water bucket under a live tree with HOT water

    Related Stories
    HOLIDAYSHow to Care for Your Christmas Tree
    By Therese Ciesinski
    Keep your tree looking lush until the last ornament is packed away with these tips for watering, using stands and more
    Full Story
    83
    GARDENING GUIDESTree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them
    By Falon Mihalic
    Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action
    Full Story
    14
    CHRISTMAS TREESWhy You Should Consider a Living Christmas Tree
    By Lauren Dunec Hoang
    Potted conifers last for years and can enrich the landscape. Here’s how to select and care for your tree
    Full Story
    11
    HOLIDAYSChristmas Tree Decorating the Painless Way
    By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer
    Holidays are for carols, not cussing. Make tree trimming less work and more fun with this guide at your side
    Full Story
    127
    HOLIDAYS10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays
    By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting
    Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment
    Full Story
    59
    MOST POPULARA Magical Tree House Lights Up for Christmas
    By Sarah Greenman
    From the Most Popular file: An incredible tree house takes things up a notch for the holidays. See how it came to be
    Full Story
    174
    CHRISTMASHow to Light Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro
    By Innovative Design Build
    Give yourself frustration-free tree lighting this year — the trick is clever cord management
    Full Story
    67
    CHRISTMAS TREESLast-Minute Christmas: Mini Tree in a Pot
    By Jen L'Italien
    Create a temporary tree with cuttings or buy a small live tree to love for years
    Full Story
    4
    CHRISTMASReal vs. Fake: How to Choose the Right Christmas Tree
    By Houzz
    Pitting flexibility and ease against cost and the environment can leave anyone flummoxed. This Christmas tree breakdown can help
    Full Story
    77
    HOUZZ CALLShow Us Your Christmas Tree!
    By Bryan Anthony
    We want to see your holiday tree all dressed up for the season! Please show us your best photo and tell us all about it
    Full Story
    210
    Sponsored
    Inspired Closets Columbus
    Innovative & Creative Custom Closet Designer Servicing Franklin County
    More Discussions
    Can we start a Chain Reaction Game - Part 5
    110
    How have your holiday parties and entertaining changed?
    22
    Red kuri squash vs golden hubbard vs Gold Nugget squash
    15
    What are you doing for Thanksgiving dinner?
    23
    I want a CRUNCHY cookie biscotti like thing w my coffee
    17