I think I killed my Christmas tree - can I resurrect it?!

[raaaasss]

We bought our tree last weekend, it had a freshly cut bottom. Came home, put it in a bucket of water, then in tree holder which has a built in bucket full of water.

Then forgot all about checking the water until last night. It was empty, and now its bloody needles are all pinging off as soon as anyone touches it..

Is it beyond saving? Will I have a bare stick next week? Have I killed Christmas??

The only thing I could think of was giving it some flower food..anyone got any ideas?? Heeeellllllpp.....

You could try sawing another inch or two off the bottom and then make sure it's kept wet. I don't think flower food's going to help if the bottom's become too dried out for it to be able to drink anything.

I've had plenty over the years that were set into a wooden block so couldn't be watered and they've always lasted fine.

thanks - I never had one that seem so dried out by this stage. I just remembered some old trick about spraying it with hairspray to 'stick' the needles on.

too scared to lift it up to saw more off as I think that'll be it for the needles. Will take some solace in RCohle's post and not touch it!

I think you'd need to saw a bit off the bottom. We were strictly told that if I ran out of water at all; the bottom would film over and make it unable to drink properly. I'm guessing it won't be able to eat flower food that way either.

Did you get it from somewhere that would be nice enough to give you some advice on what to do? I'd a bit worried that if it's so fragile now; it might not last for another 9 days... is it looking withered?

There was a feature on something like the One Show a few years back which tested the various methods for maintaining Christmas trees. The only thing that worked was keeping it watered (our stand has a well for that purpose). Hair spray rendered it more flammable!

Had one of those wooden blocks last year. Bloody thing barely made it to Christmas Day.

And there's no point buying one later because they're usually all cut at the same time (We used to sell them in our shop).

I'm sure this didn't use to be such a problem? It goes against the grain but i will be pushing for a fake one next year.

But thank you OP for reminding me to check and water mine

for next year: builders bucket (can wrap it in wrapping paper to disguise).
plunk tree trunk in it, fill with pebbles, then fill with water. top up every other day or so,
also get a spray can amd spray tree with water before decorating.
if using real candles spray tree with water before you light the candles.

You can drill holes in the trunk if you can lift it a bit, then water will go in through those.

Give it water and spray with water

All of the above advice, plus next year buy a Nordman fir- they’re the best for not dropping needles even if they do get a bit dry.

The girl in the fruit & veg shop where I bought mine said coke cola kept them going longer

I think he's a nordmann.

We topped him up and he has had a little drink so I'm now a bit more hopeful.

Still dropping needles if touched but not looking withered.

Thanks everyone for all the advice..