Buying the perfect Christmas tree is a challenge—no doubt about it. Keeping your tree fresh during Christmas is just as challenging, if not more so. But thanks to this summer’s increased dryness, keeping this year’s tree fresh will be more challenging. The dryness affected the quality and life span of this year’s Christmas trees. So, you’ll have to go to greater lengths this year to keep your tree fresh than you did last year:

Ideally, you’ll want to buy a suitable stand for the tree you buy. Look for a stand that holds at least a gallon of plain water. You’ll spend less time filling up the stand and more time enjoying your tree. If you have a tall, wide room, pick a stand that fits the tree’s size. If you’re putting your tree on a table, choose a small stand with a good-sized reservoir. Also, get an adjustable stand. It makes leveling the tree easier.

Tips on Keeping Your Tree Fresh

Here are nine tips on keeping your Christmas tree fresh:

• Cut about half an inch more off the tree’s trunk. That exposes the tree’s vessel, enabling the tree to absorb water easier.

• Avoid cutting the trunk at an angle or into a V-shape. That makes it harder to keep the tree in the stand and reduces the amount of water available to the tree. Also, avoid bruising the cut surface or getting it dirty.

• Keep the outer layers of wood on the tree. That speeds up the intake of water after you cut the tree.

• Put your tree in a stand with water immediately after cutting the tree. Keep the stand filled with water throughout the season. Check on water levels twice daily for the first week and then daily.

• Use a stand with a traditional reservoir type. It’s among the most effective ways to maintain freshness and minimize needle loss problems.

• Check out the devices available to help you maintain a constant water level in the stand. They work. Use them if you can.

• Checking the temperature of the water isn’t necessary. The temperature doesn’t affect water uptake or the tree’s freshness. Use plain water.

• Avoid putting the tree near heat sources like air vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, and sunny windows. That dries out the tree quickly.

• Using lights that emit low heat, such as miniature lights, reduces drying and keeps the tree fresh.

Consider acclimating your tree before bringing it into your home. Going from a cold outdoor environment to a heated indoor can stress out a tree. So, you can store the tree in an unheated area, like your garage or basement, for a day or two before bringing it inside. Also, avoid using preservatives and other additives in the water. They won’t extend the life of your Christmas tree.