Like many, I love the smell and look of a real Christmas tree. What I don’t like is the inevitable overthinking that goes along with one.

Am I giving him enough water? Should I add something to the water? Can I do more to extend indoor life? Typically, the moment a few needles fall is when I begin to question my care methods. That’s right now. I’m a “leave it until after the New Year” kind of girl, so this needs to be resolved, and quickly.

Conclusion? The Christmas tree is the largest house plant I will own all year, and a short-term investment considering the price, so I want to try to make it last as long as possible.

If you turn to the internet as often as I do in moments of curiosity, you’ll discover all sorts of tricks and tips on what to add to your water to help your tree thrive. I’ve seen every suggestion, from adding plain sugar to crushed aspirin.

This year is different though. I decided to skip all that self-research and go straight to a good Christmas tree expert to get the definitive answer on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to what you should add to your tree’s water.

And what I found out surprised me.

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What does it really do?

“We do not recommend adding additional products to the water, such as bleach, vinegar, sugar, aspirin, or other products advertised to keep your tree fresh,” says Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board.

In fact, she says these additives can actually be counterproductive because they prevent your tree from retaining water and/or encourage bacterial growth in your tree. Her advice?

“Follow Mother Nature’s lead and simply provide plain water!”

As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Instead, Gray recommends focusing on maintenance and water maintenance.

To ensure your tree gets the water it needs, Gray suggests cutting a fresh half-inch off the trunk either while you’re at the tree farm or when you get home before placing it in the water stand. This will also help remove any resin clogging the boot. A new cut gets things moving and allows your wood to perk up.

“Many people underestimate how much water a real Christmas tree actually drinks,” she adds. “A Christmas tree can drink about a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Check the stand water level daily, don’t let the water level drop below the base of the trunk, and keep your tree away from heat sources. This will help ensure your tree stays fresh longer.”

Here it is. While it might be tempting to see what might tip the scales, your tree will be happiest and freshest with plain old tap water.