Fire Proofing your Christmas Tree

Tips on caring for your Christmas tree at home:                                                              

Re-cut the end of the tree by 1 inch, and then let it stand in a bucket of fireproofing mixture( recipe below) until your ready to bring it indoors.  Fill the reservoir twice a day (morning and evening) with the remaining mixture.

Fireproof mixture for your tree :

• 2 gallons of hot water

• 2 cups of corn syrup

• 2 ounces of liquid bleach

• 2 pinches of Epsom salt

• 1/2 teaspoon borax

• 1 teaspoon of Chelated iron (found in a garden shop)

How does this fireproofing work?

The corn syrup provides sugar, which allows the tree to soak up enormous amounts of water.  Without the sugar, only a small amount of water is absorbed.  You can expect the tree to soak up 1 and 1/2 gallons of the recipe during the 10-14 day period your tree is up.  This is approximately 800% more water than it would have absorbed growing in the forest.

The boron (in the borax) makes the water and sugar move to every needle of your tree.  The Epsom salt and Chelated iron provide magnesium sulfate that facilitates the process of chlorophyll production, keeping your needles green.  Bleach stops the mold from forming when water and sugar stand for a period of time.