Here's how to choose and care for your real Christmas tree🎄

There’s no surer sign that the holiday season has arrived in Johnson County, then the post-Thanksgiving sprouting of real Christmas tree sales in the area.

Why it matters: Many of us go with fake trees for our homes, but if you prefer the genuine article, there are suggested ways to choose and care for your tree in order to keep it in top holiday shape through the new year.

The Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office has some recommendations. Here’s a rundown of their advice:

How to choose a tree:

One of the biggest factors in choosing a Christmas tree is size.

The right size depends on the size of the room in which you want to put it.
The K-State Research and Extension Office warns that trees often look smaller in open spaces — like outdoor tree lots — and may end up being too big for your house once you bring it home.
If the tree is going to be placed near a corner or against a wall, picking a tree with one bare side may allow it to sit closer to a wall instead of sticking out.

Maintaining the tree

If properly cared for, most live Christmas trees can last up to three or four weeks inside your home.

After getting the tree inside, the first thing you should do is saw off roughly one inch of the tree’s trunk and place the tree in a tree stand with warm water.
Average-size trees should be given roughly a gallon of water each day.
The K-State Research and Extension Office says it’s best to only give the tree just plain water and avoid additives like bleach or aspirin, which you may hear recommended to keep the tree fresh.
Keeping the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces or vents can also help lengthen its life through the holidays.

Christmas tree care — Above, a Fraser fir at the tree lot at the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site in Fairway. Photo by Lucie Krisman.

What do with your tree after Christmas

After the holiday season ends, most trees can be recycled instead of thrown away.

In addition to tree pickup services, Johnson County will likely have a number of drop-off sites for people to dispose of their trees in the week after Christmas.
All decorations must be removed from the tree before it gets picked up or dropped off.