If your Christmas tree stand runs out of water, refill it as soon as possible and make sure the base of the trunk is fully submerged again.
If the fresh-cut base is exposed to air for too long, the trunk can begin to dry out. As the sap at the cut surface hardens, it can partially seal the base and make it harder for the tree to absorb water when the stand is refilled.
What should I do if the stand ran dry?
If you catch it quickly:
Refill the stand with plain water.
Make sure the bottom of the trunk is fully submerged.
Continue checking the water level daily.
Watch the tree for signs of dryness or reduced water uptake.
If the tree continues to drink water and looks fresh, no additional action may be needed.
What if my tree stops drinking water after the stand ran dry?
If your tree is no longer absorbing water and appears to be drying out, the most reliable solution is to give it another fresh cut:
Remove the tree from the stand.
Use a saw to make a new, straight cut across the bottom of the trunk.
Put the tree back into water immediately.
You only need to remove a thin section from the bottom to expose fresh wood. Avoid shaving or whittling down the sides of the trunk to make it fit your stand. The outer layers of the trunk are especially important for absorbing water.