5 Go-to Tips for Top-Notch Christmas Tree Care
Plastic Christmas trees may be easier to set up, but there’s no substitute for the beauty and fragrance of the real thing, whether you cut a tree yourself or choose one from a tree farm.
Real Christmas trees are a magical part of the holiday season, but they do take a little extra effort to maintain. The main challenge is keeping your tree hydrated and preventing the needles and branches from drying out too quickly. So, what are the best tips for Christmas tree care? We've got you (and your Christmas decor) covered.
Related: If You're Picking up a Real Christmas Tree This Year, Make Sure This Insect Doesn’t Come Along for the Ride
Christmas Tree Care Tips
In fact, “when a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water,” according to the National Christmas Tree Association, so ensuring a constant water uptake via the trunk is crucial.
The NCTA recommends that you keep Christmas trees constantly submerged in water in a reservoir-type stand. Trees should also be kept away from major heat sources like fireplaces, heat vents and direct sunlight to slow the drying process. And, take care to use low-heat miniature lights that won’t dry out the branches.
Related: How To Flock a Christmas Tree
Here are five more of the NCTA’s top Christmas tree care tips, from choosing the right tree to recycling it correctly after the holidays.
1. Make sure you have a fresh tree to begin with
To be sure you’re buying a fresh tree, the National Christmas Tree Association recommends doing a ‘branch/needle test’: “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.”
2. Use the right amount of water
A traditional reservoir stand is the way to go, says the NCTA. Be sure to place the tree in water as soon as you get it home, and as a rule of thumb, you should use 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Check the water levels daily to ensure the trunk is still fully submerged. The temperature of the water is not important.
3. Avoid whittling the trunk
Be sure to use a stand that fits your tree so you don’t have to whittle down the trunk to fit. “The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed,” the NCTA says. Also, there’s no need to drill a hole in the base of the trunk; contrary to popular belief, this does not improve the tree’s ability to absorb water.
4. Keep your tree away from heat sources
The NCTA recommends using low-heat lights, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying. Keeping the room temperature low and keeping your tree away from heating vents and direct sunlight will also reduce the amount of water the tree must use each day, slowing the drying process. And, of course, keep your tree away from fireplaces and heaters to reduce the risk of fire.
5. Dispose of your tree the right way
When it’s time to take down your tree, don’t throw it in a dumpster or leave it on the curb. Christmas trees can be recycled for mulch, and many communities have recycling programs that accept trees after the holidays at no charge. Some areas also offer mulching programs that allow you to use the mulch from your tree in your garden. The NCTA provides some other creative recycling options, such as placing your tree in the yard for use as a bird sanctuary.
“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.”
Next up, once you have your tree picked out, here are the best Christmas tree decoration ideas to inspire you.
