Easy ways to keep your real Christmas tree fresh throughout the holiday season: Video

For many, a Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the holiday celebrations. They come in big, small, green, pink, covered in fake snow, upright, upside down and, of course, real or synthetic. Decorations can make your tree look like Charlie Brown's or the masterpiece at Rockefeller Center, depending on your patience and artistic skills. However, one thing most people can agree on is that real trees take a lot more work. Part of the joy of a real Christmas tree is the extra life and the delightful aroma it can add to your home during the holiday season. On the downside, if not properly cared for, real trees can easily dry out, creating a mess of needles on the floor and a potential fire hazard.Watch this video for three tips on how to make your real tree last longer.

How to take care of a real Christmas tree

If you’re going for a real tree, keep these three tips in mind to help you keep it happy and healthy all season long.

1. Water it!

This is obvious, but keeping the stand full of water can greatly extend your tree's lifespan. Real trees will drink a lot of water in the first few days. Cold water can solidify the sap and clog the tree, so use warm water. Make sure to check the water every day and add more as needed. If you need a reminder or will be out of town for a few days, these gadgets might help ensure your tree never runs low on moisture.

2. Nourish it.

Like flowers, trees need nourishment. You can buy premade nutrients to keep your tree happy, but, if you don’t have any, you can make some using the wisdom of Mary Poppins. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down and keeps your real tree fresh for longer! Simply dissolve some sugar in warm water and pour it into the base.3. Protect it.

Keep the tree away from direct heat sources, like vents or heaters, and avoid direct sunlight. This helps ensure the tree can retain as much moisture as possible. If you live in a dry area, consider placing a humidifier near the tree.

Christmas tree species

Fir trees are some of the most popular choices for real Christmas trees.

Fir tree varieties include:

• Fraiser Fir.

• Noble Fir.

• Douglas Fir.

• Balsalm Fir.

• Nordmann Fir.

• Canaan Fir.

• Grand Fir.

The Fraiser Fir is the most popular choice in the United States thanks to its strong branches, delightful fragrance, and needle retention, according to Balsam Hill.While they are highly popular, they aren't your only option. If you’re looking for a non-Fir option, consider:

• A cypress, like the Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, or Arizona Cypress.

• A pine, like the White Pine, Virginia Pine, or Monterey Pine.

• A spruce tree, like the Colorado Blue Spruce or Black Hills Spruce.

Where can I buy a real Christmas tree?

If you’re on the hunt for a real Christmas tree, check out:

• A local Christmas tree farm. Some may even let you chop down your own.

• A local garden center.

• Your favorite national forest. Yes, you can cut down a tree yourself. However, this requires a permit from the Forest Department of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Home Depot.

• Lowes.

• Walmart.

• Whole Foods.

• Tractor Supply Co.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to take care of a real Christmas tree so it lasts longer