Christmas Tree Care: how much water your tree needs

Free Christmas tree water calculator. Enter the trunk diameter and get daily water use (up to 1 quart per inch of trunk), the first day drink, and the smallest stand that will keep up. Plus the care steps that matter: a fresh half inch cut, plain water, and distance from heat. Sourced from NC State, Ohio State, and Illinois Extension.

The rules

  • A fresh tree can use up to 1 quart of water a day for each inch of trunk diameter (Ohio State).
  • It may take up a gallon in the first 24 hours (NC State).
  • Use a stand that holds at least a gallon, or 1 quart per inch of trunk (NC State, Illinois).
  • Cut about a half inch straight across the base before it goes in the stand (NC State).
  • Plain water only. Preservatives are not needed, and additives can make needle loss worse (NC State).
  • Keep the tree away from vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, and sunny windows (NC State).

Guides

Sources