PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – With concerns over Christmas tree shortages, many people started shopping for their evergreens early. But with the tree in the stand before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, there’s a risk it might not last until Christmas. 

Luckily, a farmer in Oregon is willing to share his tips for keeping trees in tip-top condition.

Justin Timm of Frog Pond Farm in Wilsonville said trees would be extra thirsty in 2021 because of the drought. So if you want to keep a pre-cut tree alive, make sure you’re keeping it hydrated.

Timm said everyone who purchases a tree should give it a fresh cut on the bottom, and that the tree should be placed in water within 45 minutes of the new cut. Any longer than that, and the sap will close the bottom of the tree, preventing it from taking on any more water unless it’s cut again.

As for additives, Timm’s not sure if they actually work. 

“I don’t want to say it’s completely hocus pocus,” said Timm. “Water is the trick. So, you can add 7-Up; you can add some of those sugary types of items. They say it helps them absorb into the tree more. I can’t say for certain it does or it doesn’t, but as long as it continuously has water, you should be in good shape,” he said. 

And if a tree is near a heat vent, close that vent, Timm says.

For people still tree shopping, Timm suggests getting a heavier tree. The weight can be a sign the tree absorbed more water. 

“If a tree is extremely light, that’s probably not going to be as healthy and strive as long as a heavier tree because that heavier tree is going to have more water in it,” he said.