Here are two simple tips that will help your Christmas tree stay green and hold its needles longer: 

1) Just before placing your tree in the stand, cut off about 2 inches from the trunk so there is a fresh wood submerged in the water.  If you cut the tree the same day or have kept it in water since cutting this isn’t needed.  Of course, keep the stand reservoir filled with clean warm water through the holidays. 

2) Do not place any fresh fruits like bananas, apples, or pears in the same room as your tree.  Fruits emit a natural vapor of ethylene gas that stimulates ripening.  The effect of this gas on a cut evergreen tree is to trigger it to drop its needles!  Keep all fresh fruit well away from your live tree and you’ll be sweeping up fewer needles.