Hello Terry,

If given proper care, a fresh Christmas tree should last the entire holiday season without becoming excessively dry or dropping a large number of needles. Be sure to place the tree in water as soon as possible and keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as furnace vents and radiators. If the tree was cut more than a day before you purchased it, you should trim a 1- to 2-inch piece off the bottom of the trunk so the tree can readily take up water. This helps ensure continued quality. Be sure the container holds enough water, and refill it often, making sure the water does not fall below the level of the trunk bottom.

Balsam fir

Balsam fir has long been a preferred species for many consumers because of its strong Christmas tree scent. It has dark green needles and excellent form.

White pine

White pine is one of two Michigan native conifers commonly used for Christmas trees, along with balsam fir. This is a dense tree with soft, green needles. This tree will require lightweight ornaments. For consumers that have a high ceiling and want a larger tree, white pine can be an economical choice. For more pictures and information on this species, see MSU‘s white pine YouTube video.

The above information is from the article: Real Christmas trees: Which one is right for you? - Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry, and Jill O'Donnell, MSU Extension - November 12, 2020 at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/choosing_the_right_christmas_tree

Other articles:

3 easy steps to make your real Christmas tree last this holiday season at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/water_is_the_essential_ingredient_in_keeping_your_farm_grown_christmas_tree

Michigan Fresh - Michigan Christmas Trees at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/234/37392/E3230_Christmas_Trees.pdf

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Keeping Greenery Fresh (in regard to fresh evergreen boughs)

• Use clean, sharp cutters to cut branches and immediately put cut ends into the water until ready to use.
• Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cutting to take in more water.
• Keep greenery out of sunlight.
• Immerse greenery in water overnight before arranging. This allows the cuttings to absorb the maximum amount of moisture.
• Allow the foliage to dry and then spray it with an anti-transpirant, such as Wilt-Pruf, to help seal in moisture. Note: Do not use anti-transpirants on juniper berries, cedar, or blue spruce. The product can damage the wax coating that gives these plants their distinctive color.
• Keep completed wreaths, garlands, and arrangements in a cool location until use.
• Display fresh greenery and fruits out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Plan to replace dry or wilted greenery and shriveled fruits throughout the holiday season. From the article:

HOLIDAY DECORATING WITH FRESH GREENERY - Clemson University at this link: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/holiday-decorating-with-fresh-greenery/

This article talks about the characteristics of fresh evergreen boughs used in holiday decorations - and I realize you are doing your own cuttings - From the article: Bringing the “outside-in” for the holidays - Julie Crick, - December 15, 2017, at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bringing_the_outside-in_for_the_holidays_1

Hope this helps!!

No longer than 6 weeks