Christmas: How to Keep Your Christmas Tree in Top Shape
Follow these tips for keeping your freshly cut tree looking lush and healthy all through the Christmas season
Therese Ciesinski
18 December 2014
Houzz Contributor
Artificial trees may have increased in popularity, but for the purist, only a real tree will do. No matter how realistic it looks, an artificial tree can’t compete with the scent and feel of a real evergreen. It’s a living part of nature to which, for a short time, we give a place of honour in our homes.
And no matter which kind of tree it is – spruce, fir, pine or cypress – once it’s indoors, the goal is to keep the tree fresh and green. This means keeping the needles pliable and on the tree until the Christmas season is over. And the only thing that does that is water – and lots of it. Think of it as a big, green pet: just as a dog or cat needs fresh water every day, so does a fresh Christmas tree.
And no matter which kind of tree it is – spruce, fir, pine or cypress – once it’s indoors, the goal is to keep the tree fresh and green. This means keeping the needles pliable and on the tree until the Christmas season is over. And the only thing that does that is water – and lots of it. Think of it as a big, green pet: just as a dog or cat needs fresh water every day, so does a fresh Christmas tree.
Get the tree in water immediately
Once you get your tree home, put it into water as soon as possible, within eight hours. If the trunk wasn’t freshly cut at the place where you bought the tree, then saw an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk and put it in a tree stand filled with fresh water. If you’re not ready to set it up, put it in a bucket of water in a cool place. The water temperature doesn’t matter.
Once you get your tree home, put it into water as soon as possible, within eight hours. If the trunk wasn’t freshly cut at the place where you bought the tree, then saw an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk and put it in a tree stand filled with fresh water. If you’re not ready to set it up, put it in a bucket of water in a cool place. The water temperature doesn’t matter.
Use the right stand
The stand should comfortably fit the diameter of the trunk. Whittling the trunk down will only dry the tree out faster. The National Christmas Tree Association in the United States recommends that a tree stand should provide 2 pints of water per inch of stem diameter. Be sure the tree stand you choose has a large water reservoir. A tree can take up a gallon of water in its first few hours in the stand.
The stand should comfortably fit the diameter of the trunk. Whittling the trunk down will only dry the tree out faster. The National Christmas Tree Association in the United States recommends that a tree stand should provide 2 pints of water per inch of stem diameter. Be sure the tree stand you choose has a large water reservoir. A tree can take up a gallon of water in its first few hours in the stand.
Water, water, water
Big trees mean lots of water. Watch that the cut part of the trunk stays below the waterline. Adding aspirin, lemonade or other concoctions to the water won’t extend the tree’s life, but it might sicken pets or children if they drink out of the water reservoir.
Big trees mean lots of water. Watch that the cut part of the trunk stays below the waterline. Adding aspirin, lemonade or other concoctions to the water won’t extend the tree’s life, but it might sicken pets or children if they drink out of the water reservoir.
Give it room
Once indoors, a live tree’s branches will relax and open. Allow enough space when siting the tree for the lowest branches to fall open and not get in the way of foot traffic.
Explore 12 festive ways to dress your Christmas tree
Once indoors, a live tree’s branches will relax and open. Allow enough space when siting the tree for the lowest branches to fall open and not get in the way of foot traffic.
Explore 12 festive ways to dress your Christmas tree
Keep the tree cool
To an evergreen that spent years growing in a field, your house is as dry as the Sahara Desert. And where do Christmas trees often look best? Centred in front of windows, where the sun streams in, or tucked into a corner near a radiator.
To an evergreen that spent years growing in a field, your house is as dry as the Sahara Desert. And where do Christmas trees often look best? Centred in front of windows, where the sun streams in, or tucked into a corner near a radiator.
Position the tree out of the sun and away from heat sources. Keep the temperature in the room as low as is practical.
Remember to switch off
As magical as it may be to come home to a sparkling tree, don’t leave the tree’s lights on overnight or when no one’s in the house.
Browse unconventional Christmas trees
As magical as it may be to come home to a sparkling tree, don’t leave the tree’s lights on overnight or when no one’s in the house.
Browse unconventional Christmas trees
Know when the game is up
Even with daily watering, cut trees will eventually dry out. When needles drop when you touch them, and branches droop so low that baubles are hitting the floor, it’s time to take off the lights and decorations, wrap the tree in an old sheet, and take it outside.
You can saw off some of the tree’s branches and cover garden beds with them to protect plants, or turn them into mulch with a chipper or shredder. If you have the acreage, drag the tree to an out-of-the-way spot for birds and animals to use as cover.
Many councils now collect spent Christmas trees – check your local authority website for details.
TELL US…
How do you keep your tree fresh? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Even with daily watering, cut trees will eventually dry out. When needles drop when you touch them, and branches droop so low that baubles are hitting the floor, it’s time to take off the lights and decorations, wrap the tree in an old sheet, and take it outside.
You can saw off some of the tree’s branches and cover garden beds with them to protect plants, or turn them into mulch with a chipper or shredder. If you have the acreage, drag the tree to an out-of-the-way spot for birds and animals to use as cover.
Many councils now collect spent Christmas trees – check your local authority website for details.
TELL US…
How do you keep your tree fresh? Share your tips in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Ask a Designer
Ask a Designer: How Do I Maximise Space and Light in a Small Cottage?
Country cottages can be a lot smaller and less well-lit that other homes. Make sure they maximise their full potential with these ideas
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Fun Houzz: Re-create Cameron Diaz’s LA Mansion From ‘The Holiday’
For all those who love the 2006 film ‘The Holiday’, here’s how to get the smart LA pad look
Full Story
Colour
10 Beautiful Blue Front Doors
By Meera Innes
From trad teal and strong navy to soft and subtle duck egg, blue is a classic colour that will give your home a cool, calm mood
Full Story
Storage
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Lotions and Potions
Maximise your storage space with these clever solutions
Full Story
Lifestyle
Lifestyle: 12 Quick Tricks and Simple Cheats for a Tidy-looking Home
By Jo Simmons
When life is busy, a tidy home isn’t always a priority, but how can you lick your home into shape fast when friends are visiting?
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Creative Ways to Use Your Kitchen Walls for Storage
Make the most of wall space in your kitchen with these smart ideas for keeping the worktops clear of clutter
Full Story
Ask an Expert
The Secret to Choosing a Good Mattress
We spend a third of our lives asleep, so investing in a quality mattress is essential. Check out this expert advice to help you choose yours
Full Story
Most Popular
Clever Furniture for Compact Interiors
By Sara Emslie
From corner sofas to compact designs and dual-purpose furniture, be inspired by these small-space heroes that will big up your mini space
Full Story
Most Popular
12 Easy Ways to Hack Your Wardrobe
Instead of letting the mess in your wardrobe overwhelm you, tackle it head-on with these smart and simple solutions
Full Story
Tree watering funnels work very well, great for those of us with creaky old knees!
When done with our tree, we lean it up amongst other trees outside & throw Bird Seed & all our hardened, dried leftover crackers, chips, bread, raisins, nuts, etc. into it - the Birds love it all winter ..... (& provides them cover).