From picking the tree and transporting it home to decorating and vacuuming pine needles, a lot goes into setting up your home for the holidays. With all this effort to consider, it's important to ensure that you know how to keep your Christmas tree alive for longer. This way, it can remain a beautiful centerpiece in your home after the main celebrations.
To enjoy it for the maximum time possible, you may simply put it up earlier. This makes the right care even more vital, as you'll still want it to look full and bushy when the big day arrives. Meanwhile, if you're traveling over Christmas, like me, you'll want to ensure you're not returning home to a limp and lifeless tree. It might also be your first real tree, so use this advice as a starting point for general care.
We consulted the experts from Pines and Needles, who have provided the know-how to care for your Christmas tree this season properly. By following the following tips, you will enjoy the smell and aesthetic of your tree for longer.
How to keep your Christmas tree alive for longer
1. Choose the right tree
The first step to a long-lasting Christmas tree is choosing a fresh one. Take a needle and gently pull it from a branch. If it easily comes off or if it's brown, the tree probably isn't fresh. Fresh needles should be flexible and vibrant. If a needle breaks easily, the tree is dry. Fresh needles should be pliable. Shake the tree gently; if many needles fall off, it's dry.
Trees also have different lifespans. The Fraser Fir is known for its needle retention. The Noble Fir has strong branches and a pretty blue-green color. With a strong fragrance, the balsam fir makes a classic Christmas tree.
2. Prep the trunk
In the same way that you trim flower stems before putting them in a vase, you should do the same with your Christmas tree. It helps it stay fresh while taking in water, which can prolong its life.
Veronika Kusak, Director of Pines and Needles, says, "Saw off the bottom one inch (3 cm) of the trunk just before setting it up. This creates a fresh cut and opens up the pores in the bark that might otherwise become blocked with sap within a few hours of being cut. Through capillary action, the tree can absorb water."
You might consider using one of the best chainsaws if you don't want to cut the trunk yourself.
3. Water Immediately
Trees can absorb water quickly, especially in the first few days. If the tree is out of water for more than a few hours, it might seal over and have trouble absorbing water.
4. Choose the Right Location
As we enter the season of central heating and dehumidifiers, it's important to choose a cooler spot for your tree, perhaps next to a window.
Tree placement is crucial to keeping it alive. Keep it away from heating vents, fireplaces, or direct sunlight, as these can dry it out quickly. Maintain a consistent temperature around the tree to keep it healthy.
5. Use a Proper Stand
A sturdy tree stand should be able to hold at least a quart of water per inch of the trunk's diameter. Some stands come with built-in reservoirs to keep the tree moist.
6. Keep it hydrated
Remember to water your Christmas tree, just like any plant.
"Place your tree in plain water—avoid soil or sand, because these can block the pores in the bark. The best way to do this is to use a stand made for Christmas trees," Veronika says. "You can waste a lot of time trying to make a tree stand upright in a bucket using bricks or stones!"
Check the water level regularly and don't let the base dry out too fast. "Sap seals the bark within a few hours when the water level goes below the tree's trunk, so even if you refill the Christmas tree stand, the tree won't absorb any more water," Veronika says.
Furthermore, she says that a Christmas tree can drink 2-3 pints (1-2 liters) of water a day, depending on its size and central heating settings.
Veronika Kusak, Director of Pines and Needles, says, "when water level drops below the tree’s trunk, sap will re-seal the bark within a few hours, preventing the tree from drinking any further water even if you then re-fill the Christmas tree stand.
7. Feed the tree
If you want to extend the life of your tree, you can buy commercial Christmas tree feeds at most garden centers. If you'd rather DIY, add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the water, serving as a food source for your tree.
Additionally, you can use a tree preservative in the water. These solutions usually contain nutrients that can help prolong the tree's life. Plain water is fine, too, if you change the water often.
8. Create a routine
A Christmas tree needs regular care, just like a baby does. Your tree will thrive in the right environment if it is fed, watered, and rotated regularly throughout the day.
Despite the temptation to angle your tree so that the best side is always visible and sparse spots are hidden, it's important to turn it regularly so everyone gets sun. As a result, the needle drop will be reduced, so your tree will look better, and you won't have to vacuum as much.
Can you keep your tree until next year?
Whether you're thinking about the planet or wanting to save some money, asking, "Can you keep your tree until next year?" is a worthwhile feat.
Depending on your climate, you may be able to plant it in your yard. If this is the case, research the requirements of the Christmas tree species to be sure you can plant it in the right environment and with adequate space. You will, of course, need to ensure you purchase a tree with roots to do this - so it's something to bear in mind before you buy.
Monitoring Tree Health
Monitor Needle Drop. Some needle loss is normal, but too much can signal stress. Ensure the tree gets enough water and isn't exposed to extreme temperatures.
Mist the Tree: Mist the tree occasionally to boost humidity. This helps prevent needle dryness and fills your space with a fresh scent.
Use LED Lights: When decorating the tree with lights, use LEDs. They emit less heat than incandescent bulbs, so the tree won't dry out.
Limit Decorations: Decorations shouldn't be too heavy. Heavy ornaments can stress branches and lead to breakage. Be mindful of how many decorations you apply, and make sure their weight is evenly distributed.
