One has only to say the words "New Year", and the wonderful atmosphere of this holiday is immediately remembered. It is created by frosty patterns on the windows, candles, multi-colored garlands, sparklers and, of course, a beautiful forest tree, spreading around itself the delightful scent of pine needles. And if you follow a few simple rules, then you will be able to keep the tree alive not only until the Old New Year, but also until the end of winter.
Instructions
Step 1
You can buy a live Christmas tree at one of the many Christmas tree markets, which traditionally open on December 20. Do not postpone the purchase until the very last moment - most likely, there will be nothing to choose from. Do not buy a Christmas tree in a package, you will not be able to properly examine it. First of all, shake the tree well. If the needles are crumbling, set it aside immediately. Then examine the barrel. The cut should be moist and resinous. If it is dry, then the tree was felled long ago or frozen. There should be no moss and lichens on the trunk - they indicate that in front of you is not a young tree at the age of 8-10 years, but the top of an old spruce. A healthy spruce one and a half meters in height weighs about 5-7 kg, the diameter of the lower part of the trunk is at least 3 cm. Pay attention to the top and twigs. In a live tree, they should be flexible, without broken ends, evenly covered with needles. The color of the needles is dark green, when they are rubbed, an oily coniferous smell appears. Be sure to pack your purchase in paper or burlap so as not to damage it during transportation.
Step 2
From sudden changes in temperature, the tree will quickly die and shed its needles. To preserve the tree, place it wrapped in a cool place: on an uninsulated balcony or outside a window. 2-3 days before the holiday, bring it into the room, let it lie down for several hours (but not near the radiator!) And remove the packaging.
Step 3
Prepare a large glass jar (5-10 L) in advance. Use a Styrofoam jar plug. The gag will wrap around the tree trunk on both sides and keep it upright, so it should be in two parts. In the middle of each piece, cut a groove to match the diameter of the tree trunk. Fill the jar with standing water at room temperature. To protect against decay, dissolve an aspirin tablet in water (better than usual, not effervescent), and to provide nutrition - a little salt and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar.
Step 4
Start installing the tree. Cut the lower branches with a hacksaw or secateurs to a height of about 15-20 cm. Refresh the cut. Use a sharp knife to shave off the end of the trunk about 5-10 cm to open the pores. Place the tree in a jar and secure with a plug. If this is not enough, secure the tree with an additional brace. Disguise the jar with a white cloth depicting a snowdrift.
Step 5
As a rule, in rooms with central heating, the air is very dry, so buy a spray bottle and spray the tree with water at least once a day. To make a living tree better tolerate stress, you can additionally spray it with an epin solution (once a week, 5-6 drops per 0.5 liters of water).
