Extend the life of your Christmas tree: easy ways to keep it fresh and vibrant for a longer holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, many households will be adorning their homes with a real Christmas tree. To ensure your tree stays fresh, vibrant, and safe throughout the festive period, follow these simple yet effective tips.
Fresh Start
Before placing your tree in its stand, make a fresh cut of about 2-3 centimetres off the base. This will remove dried sap and improve water absorption [1].
Keep it Hydrated
Real trees drink a surprising amount of water in their first days indoors. Maintain the water level at least an inch above the base of the trunk and never let it dry out. This will keep the tree fresh for longer [1][3].
Choose the Right Location
Position your tree away from heat sources such as heaters, fireplaces, direct sunlight, and air vents. High indoor temperatures accelerate drying and needle loss [1][3].
Monitor Tree Condition
Regularly check for needle dryness, browning, or drooping branches. These signs may indicate that the tree is too warm or under-watered and may need prompt attention or removal [1][3].
Clean Up Safely
Vacuum or sweep fallen needles to reduce mess and fire hazards [1].
Temperature Considerations
Cooler indoor temperatures help slow the tree’s drying and water consumption, extending its freshness [3].
Additional Tips
- Sawing off a few centimetres from the trunk of your Christmas tree can help it drink more easily [4].
- Always choose a tree with healthy, green leaves and avoid those with brown leaves or branches that snap [6].
- There are tips and tricks to make a cut Christmas tree stay green and keep its leaves [7].
After the Holidays
Real Christmas trees cannot be kept for reuse the following year. After use, consider creative or environmentally friendly disposal options [5].
Sustainable Choices
Choosing a tree from a seller that is eco and sustainably minded is good for the planet [8]. If leaving a tree in the garden, ensure it's in a spot with plenty of light [9].
Christmas Tree Shopping
Whether you head to a Christmas tree farm, a nursery, or plan to rent a Christmas tree, getting a tree from a reputable, local source can ensure its longevity. Picking the right Christmas tree, considering height, width, and smell, is an important process [10].
For all your festive needs, check out our Christmas hub page.
[1] Christmas Tree Care Instructions
[2] Air Plant Christmas Trees
[3] How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Longer
[4] How to Water a Christmas Tree
[5] Real Christmas Trees: After the Holidays
[6] How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree
[7] How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Green
[8] Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees
[9] How to Plant a Christmas Tree in Your Garden
[10] How to Choose the Right Christmas Tree
- To maintain a beautiful and fresh Christmas tree, consider adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle by choosing a sustainable tree from a responsible seller and placing it in a spot with sufficient light, once it's time for it to spend the holidays in your garden.
- Gardening enthusiasts may find the process of picking the right Christmas tree as enjoyable as it is festive, taking into account height, width, and the scent of the tree, ensuring your home-and-garden maintains its vibrant appeal throughout the holiday season.
- For a harmonious fusion of lifestyle and nature during the holidays, consider incorporating a variety of landscape elements, such as potted flowers or indoor plants, in addition to having a real Christmas tree, transforming your home into a festive sanctuary.
