5 Must-Have Advice for Perfect Christmas Tree Maintenance

Whether you choose a tree from a tree farm or cut one yourself, nothing compares to the beauty and scent of a real Christmas tree. Plastic trees may be simpler to put up.

Although they do require a little more work to maintain, real Christmas trees are a magical part of the holiday season. The biggest challenge is to avoid over-drying out your tree’s branches and needles by keeping it hydrated. What are the best Christmas tree care tips, then?

Tips for Caring for Christmas Trees

As the National Christmas Tree Association states, “when a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water,” so it is imperative to maintain a steady water uptake via the trunk.

Christmas trees in a reservoir-style stand that are continuously submerged in water. To slow the drying process, trees should also be kept away from large heat sources like fireplaces, heat vents, and direct sunlight. Additionally, be sure to use tiny lights with low heat so as not to dry out the branches.

Ensure that the tree you start with is fresh

In order to ensure that the tree you purchase is fresh, the National Christmas Tree Association suggests performing a “branch/needle test”: The NCTA advises,  “Run a branch through your enclosed hand—the needles should not come off easily,” the NCTA says. “Bend the outer branches—they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.”

Make appropriate use of water

According to the NCTA, a conventional reservoir stand is the best option. As soon as you bring the tree home, make sure to submerge it in water; a good rule of thumb is to use one quart of water for every inch of stem diameter. To make sure the trunk is still completely submerged, check the water levels every day. It doesn’t matter how hot the water is.

Refrain from witting the trunk

To avoid having to trim the trunk of your tree in order to fit the stand, make sure it fits your tree. According to the NCTA, wood’s outer layers are the most effective at absorbing water and shouldn’t be removed. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not enhance the tree’s capacity to absorb water.

Keep heat sources away from your tree

To lessen drying, the NCTA advises using low-heat lights, such as miniature lights. Reducing the amount of water your tree needs to use each day will also help to slow down the drying process. Keep the room temperature low and keep your tree out of direct sunlight and heating vents. Of course, you should also keep your tree away from heaters and fireplaces to lower the chance of a fire.

Get rid of your tree properly

Don’t put your tree on the curb or in a dumpster when it’s time to take it down. Mulch can be made from Christmas trees, and many towns offer free recycling services that take in trees after the holidays. Additionally, some places allow you to use the mulch from your tree in your garden through mulching programs. Other inventive recycling ideas that the NCTA offers include turning your tree into a bird sanctuary in your yard.

“Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter,” says the Association. “Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.”