To keep your Christmas tree fresh, it's important to provide it with plenty of clean water. When you purchase a tree, ensure the seller makes a fresh cut across the base of the trunk to aid water absorption. Once home, place the tree in a bucket of water if you're not putting it up right away. When ready to bring it inside, make another one-inch cut off the bottom of the trunk to help with water absorption. Place your tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water, and check the water level daily, refilling as needed. The stand should have a water reservoir that can hold one quart of water for every inch of the trunk's diameter. Avoid adding things like bleach, corn syrup, aspirin, or sugar to the water, as clean water is all that is needed to keep the tree fresh