Make Your Tree Last - A Holiday Science Fair Project!
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There seems to be more old wive's tales about how to preserve a Christmas tree than any other subject. Some say add water or sugar or preservative chemicals. Others will tell you to make cuts across the base, keep it away from heat, or add aspirin to the water. We all want our Christmas trees to stay fresh, smell fresh, and to last throughout the holidays without drying out, and getting needles all over the place.
Does one see a great idea for a science fair project? The question to be resolved would be just what is the best method to preserve a Christmas tree. I would not be surprised if this would be the basis for an award winning science fair project.
To begin with, the trees should be in a safe place, away from the heat. A corner location is good because there is less chance of it getting knocked over. Lights should always be turned off when leaving the house, or at bedtime.
Be sure to check for worn out lights and electrical cords. Refresh the tree by making straight cuts of about one inch across the base of the trunk. Try to start off with a healthy tree that looks good, smells good and does not looked dried out.
If you are going to do a science fair project, you will need several small trees, at least three, but the more the merrier. Label each tree #1, #2, #3 and so on. Prepare your test solutions in different containers, some containing aspirin, plain water, sugar, commercial preservatives, salt, or whatever you wish. Place each tree to be tested into a different solution. Test each tree for dryness after five days, ten days, or whatever intervals you wish to see which is the freshest and which has the most dried needles.
Keep adding solutions as they dry out. You may want to have a tree with no liquid at all. Make certain they are all in similar locations regarding heat and light. Make a chart to log in all of your findings. Taking pictures will add to your display. Have a ball and Merry Christmas.
