Non-Toxic Christmas Tree Food

Non-Toxic Christmas Tree Food

Recipe for Homemade Christmas Tree Food

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated July 30, 2018

Christmas tree food helps the tree absorb water and food to help keep the tree hydrated. The tree will retain its needles better and won't present a fire hazard. The following recipes are non-toxic and safe to keep around young children and pets. The acidity in the tree food helps the tree absorb water while deterring bacteria and mold. The sugar is the nutritive "food" part of the tree food.

Christmas Tree Food Recipe #1

Mix a splash of real lemonade, limeade or orange juice with water. I have been using limeade in water for my tree this season. It's still going strong, even though I put it up Thanksgiving weekend. The ratio of the ingredients is not critical. I'd say I'm using about 1/4 limeade with 3/4 parts water.

Christmas Tree Food Recipe #2

This is a variation on my original tree food:

1-gallon water

2 cups light corn syrup

4 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar

Christmas Tree Food Recipe #3

Mix together a citrus soft drink, like Sprite or 7-UP, together with water. When you first put up your tree, you might want to use warm water to encourage the tree to drink water. Afterward just make sure liquid remains available.

If you've got a "black thumb" and manage to kill your Christmas tree anyway, you can use chemistry to make a silver crystal tree. It doesn't require food or water!