The secret to caring for your cut Christmas tree is water. The first 24 hours are the most critical. This is when the tree will absorb the largest amount of water. On average, a tree will absorb one gallon of water in the first 24 hours and then decrease to approximately one or more quarts per day thereafter. Prior to putting the tree in your stand, ensure that the base of the tree has not been cut for more than 4 to 6 hours because tree sap will ooze out and seal over the base of the trunk. This will keep the tree from absorbing water. If it has sealed over, cut about one inch off the bottom of the tree before placing it in your stand. Now that you have it in the stand, remember to monitor the water level daily. If the water falls below the level of the base of the tree, it will seal over.