Here are a few tips to help preserve your tree:

• Store your tree outside in a sheltered area in a bucket of water (a cold garage is ideal – wind will dry out the tree) until you are ready to trim it. If it is going to be a week or more before you decorate, make a fresh straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water. Then plunge the trunk end immediately into fresh water. Keep water above the fresh cut or a new cut will be necessary.

• If possible, bring the tree into a partially heated area (basement) the night before decorating. This will help it adjust gradually to the warmer temperature.

• Locate the tree away from sources of heat, such as fireplaces, heater vents, space heaters and stoves.

• Keep it hydrated – during the first few days after it’s been cut, it’s pretty thirsty, so water it more regularly.