1) Tree species selected is not adapted to the climate where the tree is planted.
2) Larger trees do not establish as easily as smaller trees.
3) Often while in the home, the tree dries out between watering.
* Use a stand that will hold a gallon of water.
* Check water daily to keep the stand full. Preservatives are not needed, just plenty of fresh water.
* Keep the tree in a cool room or away from heat sources: heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, and direct sun. (This also goes for holiday plants like poinsettia, cyclamen, and amaryllis.)
* Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.
* Remove the tree from your home promptly after Christmas.
Read Selecting and Gardening for a Living Christmas Trees to learn more.* Use sharp pruners and make the cuts at branch angles or leaf nodes so it doesn't leave a stub.
* Keep an eye on the shape of the plant and don't get carried away.
*Think about which branches to cut and which ones to leave.
*Remove branches evenly around the plant to maintain a natural form.
With many conifers you don't want to cut beyond the innermost needles, since many don't regrow from this point. Also to help extend the life of the greenery, soak it overnight or apply an anti-transpirant such as Wilt-Pruf to keep the foliage from drying out.
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