How to Make Homemade Christmas Tree Preservative

Overview

In addition to providing your Christmas tree with a fresh supply of water, you can preserve the tree and lengthen its indoor life by adding a mixture of nutrients to its water source.

Preparation

Step 1

Heat 1 3/4 gallons of water to a boil, then put it in the 2-gallon bucket.

Step 2

Add 1 pint light syrup, and stir until the syrup is dissolved.

Step 3

Stir in 1/4 cup bleach, 1 tsp. multipurpose cleaner with bleach, and 1 tsp. Epsom salts.

Step 4

Allow the preservative mixture to cool to room temperature.

Treat Tree

Step 1

Cut 2 inches from the bottom of the tree trunk.

Step 2

Immerse the tree trunk in the preservative solution and allow it to absorb the liquid for 12 hours.

Step 3

Place the tree in a tree stand, and fill the tree-stand reservoir with the preservative solution.

Step 4

Check the reservoir daily and replenish the preservative solution as necessary.