What’s the Deal with Making a Fresh Cut on Your Christmas Tree?
If you’ve ever wondered why Christmas tree sellers talk about making a “fresh cut,” here’s the deal—it’s not just tradition, it’s essential for keeping your tree hydrated and healthy all season long.
🌲 Why a Fresh Cut Matters
When a Christmas tree is harvested, sap immediately begins to seal the exposed trunk. That’s a natural defense mechanism to protect the tree—but once it’s cut, it also prevents the trunk from drawing water.
By the time a tree makes its journey from the farm—often hundreds or even thousands of miles away—to your local lot, the bottom of the trunk has typically dried out and sealed over.
✂️ Cutting off just one inch from the base reopens the tree’s vascular system, allowing it to drink water properly once placed in a stand.
Fresh Cut + Water = Fresh Tree
A fresh cut is only part of the equation. What happens after that cut is just as important:
The tree must be placed in water immediately—ideally within 1–2 hours of cutting.
If not, sap will begin to seal the trunk again, reducing water absorption.
That’s why the best Christmas tree lots (like Santa & Sons!) always place freshly cut trees directly into water stands.
Avoid Dry, Uncut Trees
Some tree lots display trees standing dry or baled up on the ground without water or a fresh cut. That’s a red flag.
If a tree is dry and uncut, it won’t absorb water at home unless you make a fresh cut yourself—which means having a saw and a steady hand.
Before you leave the lot, ask if the tree has been freshly cut. If it hasn’t, request one on the spot.
Pro Tip: Never take home a dry, uncut Christmas tree unless you’re prepared to recut the trunk yourself right before placing it in water.
What to Look for in a Good Tree Lot
A quality tree lot should:
- Fresh cut every tree upon arrival or sale
- Display trees in water stands
- Offer to recut if a tree has been displayed dry or baled
- Educate customers about proper tree care
At Santa & Sons, every tree is freshly cut and placed in water as soon as it arrives—so it’s ready to keep drinking the moment it enters your home.
Final Thought: A Simple Cut Makes a Big Difference
Making a fresh cut might seem like a small step, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to ensure your Christmas tree stays lush, green, and fragrant throughout the season.
Order from Santa & Sons and rest easy knowing every tree is prepped and hydrated properly—so all you have to do is decorate.
Get your fresh-cut tree delivered straight to your door—no saw required.