Simple Hack Will Freshen Up Your Live Christmas Tree

(KMDL-FM) For a lot of Louisiana homes, there has been a dead tree "living" inside them for almost a month, and that tree is getting pretty dry. Even if you water your live Christmas Tree, you will have drooping and brown spots to contend with, and we've still got a week left until it's Christmas.

How Long is the Average Live Christmas Tree Supposed to Last in Your Home?

If you're someone who likes to look at averages, you will want to know that the average live Christmas Tree has a shelf life of three to five weeks. Which would time out perfectly for the Christmas season in most Louisiana homes. The only problem with that time frame is that it is measured from when the tree is cut, not when we put up the tree in our home.

READ MORE: You Can Still See Louisiana's Largest Christmas Tree

If you purchased a live Christmas Tree and it was trucked in from North Carolina, chances are it was cut several days before it was loaded on the truck, and then the drive to Louisiana took some time, too. That's my roundabout way of telling you that you need to assist your live Christmas Tree if you want it to look its best for photographs on Christmas morning.

You may have heard tips in the past about adding sugar or even erectile dysfunction medication to your tree's water to help it stand the test of time. I have done the sugar, but haven't tried to erect my holiday tree with Viagra.

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I can confirm the sugar made the tree water taste better, but it didn't really have any effect on the tree. I found an even easier hack that really helps when you first get your tree, but can help brighten the branches as they are starting to droop.

The simple addition that you need to make to your tree's water supply is hot water. Yeah, not boiling, but pretty close to boiling water added to your tree stand will help your Christmas Tree.

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How Does Hot Water Help a Christmas Tree Last Longer?

The warmer water will loosen any hardened sap that could be blocking the transfer of moisture into the tree. Much like your sinuses clear up after a hot shower, the same can be said for the xylem and phloem processes of your great ceremonial bush.

Just be careful when you're adding the water. You don't want to burn yourself, nor do you want to add hot water to the wrapping paper of any presents that might be placed under the tree. Let us know if it works for you.

Now, about the Christmas Tree's other arch nemesis, the cats, well, we can't help you with that problem, but we sure can help you laugh at it.