The fragrant fir branches are almost always part of the Christmas decorations indoors and outdoors. When the specific scent wafts through the home and mixes with the aromas of anise, cinnamon, cloves and citrus fruits, then the anticipation of Christmas is twice as great. Not only is the pleasant smell of fir green wonderful, the branches also look great and give any arrangement a fresh touch. So that you can enjoy the natural charm of the coniferous branches even after Christmas, we will explain to you below how you can preserve the fir branches.
With these tips, fir branches will last longer!
Get fresh branches
To ensure that the fir branches do not quickly lose their fresh, green color and needles, it is important that you choose fresh branches in the store. Thecut fir greenswas separated from its nutrient source. This means that the wilting process will take longer if you buy freshly cut branches.
Cut the fir greens again, supply them with water and seal them
If you don't want to miss the wonderful scent of fir green and theKeep branches fresh longerIf you want to do this, it is recommended to cut the individual fir branches again and place them in the water for at least 24 hours. In this way, the branches absorb fresh water and the shelf life is significantly extended. Now you have to seal the interface with all-purpose glue, candle wax or hot glue. As soon as you notice that the needles are no longer completely fresh, you can repeat the procedure. Fir branches placed in a vase of water stay fresh much longer than those incorporated into various arrangements or wreaths.
Advent arrangements also look enchanting in the vase. Provide the pine branches in the vase with fresh water every three or four days. You can also protect an already decorated wreath from drying out by spraying it with a little water from a spray bottle. The decoration will not be damaged because the spray mist is usually very fine.
Slowly allow the fir branches to get used to the room temperature
Before use, you should store the freshly cut fir branches in a cool and frost-free place. The branches must slowly get used to the warmer room temperature before you make them into an Advent wreath and place them in the room. The basement or storage room and then the stairwell and hallway are ideal as transitional rooms.
Keep away from heat
In order to keep the fresh look of the coniferous branches for longer, you should not place the cut fir branches or the Christmas tree in the immediate vicinity of heat sources. As a rule, the fir branch lasts longer if a cool location is chosen for it. Therefore, never place the fir greenery near the radiator. Another trick you can use to preserve the fir branches would be to place them on the cool windowsill in the evening and overnight.
Preserve fir branches with hairspray
Spraying with hairspray also helps the pine branches stay fresh longer and prevent them from shedding their needles straight away. Spray the pine green with the hairspray. Apply only a thin layer. The protective film protects the branches from drying out and also gives them a beautiful shine. However, if the fir branches are intended for a wreath, this method is not recommended. The hair polish is highly flammable. If the fir branches are already dry, caution should always be exercised regarding the risk of fire.
Preserve fir branches with glycerin
The branches of conifers can alsopreserved with glycerinbecome. Glycerin can bind a lot of moisture and therefore extends the shelf life of the fir branches. Below we will explain the preservation method with glycerin, which is suitable for many evergreens such as spruce, pine, cypress and cedar. For preservation you will need a bottle of glycerin, pine greens, a large plastic bucket, secateurs and gardening gloves.
Fill the plastic bucket 1/4 full with warm water and add the entire bottle of glycerin. Stir the mixture well. Put on your gardening gloves and cut the pine branches. Place the freshly cut ends of the pine greens into the bucket immediately. Leave them in for 24 hours.
Another variant would be to mix one part glycerin with two parts water and bring the mixture to the boil over medium heat. Then remove the water-glycerin mixture from the heat and cut the pine branches diagonally if they were not freshly cut before treatment. Pour the liquid into a large vase and place the container in a location where the branches are not exposed to direct light. The ends of the branches should be immersed in the liquid by 10-15 cm.
If some of the liquid evaporates, you can top up with some clear water. Ideally, the branches stay in the glycerin-water mixture for about 2 weeks. Once the preservation is complete, the branches must no longer come into contact with water. Other plants can also be preserved using this technique, such as soft lady's mantle, eucalyptus, beech, magnolia, hydrangea, fallow thistle, etc.
Try out our tips for preserving fir branches and enjoy the great Christmas atmosphere that the fir green conjures up in the most contemplative time of year.
