6+ Things to Do Before You Bring Your Live Christmas Tree Indoors
Nests? Insects? No thanks. A live tree in your home for the holidays can be nostalgic, especially if you and your family cut your own at a tree farm, but taking a few preliminary steps can help you start your holiday season on the right foot.
Here are a few obvious (and not-so-obvious) things you can do this year:
Shake Off Loose Needles and Check for Hitchhikers
It might seem obvious, but give that tree a good shake to dislodge loose needles and other debris. You don’t want to be carrying that mess indoors. While agitating the branches, keep an eye out for signs of pests or insects that might have hitched a ride. You might find spiders, arthropods like centipedes and millipedes, or even a terrified chipmunk.
Look closely for nests tucked into the branches. While the birds may have flown, their nests can contain mites and lice.
Related: How to Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree
Trim the Trunk and Excess Branches
Cut one inch off the end of the trunk. This helps your tree to “drink” the water in the stand. Note that this should be a straight cut across the end. Cutting the end at an angle or drilling extra holes into the base doesn't improve water absorption.
Cut branches that will prevent the tree from fitting into the stand. You’ll likely have to remove any branches that are on the lower 10” of the tree.
Address issues with its shape. Don’t let one or two rogue branches deter you. You can prune branches and twigs that affect the tree's shape so that it looks perfect in your home.
Treat With Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a safe, non-toxic pesticide that you might associate with managing garden pests, but it can help manage any lingering insects on your Christmas tree, too. You don’t need to douse the branches, but sprinkling it around the trunk of the tree at a few different points will help. You will be able to shake most of it off before bringing the tree into the house.
Related: End-of-Season Tips to Get Your Lawn Ready for Winter
Hydrate the Tree in a Temporary Location
Placing the tree in a bucket of water once the end is trimmed allows it to rehydrate. It also allows the branches to settle if they were tightly bound with netting or twine.
Let it chill. Keep the tree in a cool area for 12-24 hours—in the garage or a shady area on your porch.
Inspect the Stand
Before moving the tree inside, do a quick inspection of the tree stand. Look for signs of damage since it was used last, especially for cracks in the plastic that can lead to water damage inside your home.
This is also a good time to make sure the tree stand is the right size for the trunk of your Christmas tree. The reservoir should be able to hold at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Is your trunk too wide for the stand? You’ll have to buy a new stand or trim the tree to a narrower trunk diameter. It should fit snugly into the stand without force.
Emily Fazio
FAQs
Should you leave a Christmas tree outside before bringing it in?
Yes, let your fresh cut tree rest outdoors in a bucket of water. This will allow the branches to settle after being tied up, and allow the tree to rehydrate before being relocated into your warm home. If the temperatures are below freezing, you might consider letting the tree acclimate in a garage, barn, or shed.
Related: Answering 11 Important Questions About Holiday Light Safety and Efficiency
How long should you let a Christmas tree sit before decorating?
Let your Christmas tree sit for at least 24 hours before decorating. This waiting period is important because the branches need to settle on their own, not under the weight of lights and ornaments. When the branches are settled, you can more accurately stand the tree perfectly upright; if you place it in the stand while the branches are still settling, it can shift in its stand or become off-balance under the weight of the ornaments.
Furthermore, giving the tree a day to acclimate will also give you a better sense of its final shape, just in case you decide you need to prune a few branches.
Related: The Reasons Why So Many People Are Choosing a Potted Christmas Tree
How can you help your tree last longer?
To prolong the freshness of your Christmas tree, remember to give the trunk a fresh cut before placing it in water, refill its water every day (the bottom 2-3” needs to be submerged), and avoid harsh conditions including direct sunlight, heating vents, or proximity to a fireplace. All those locations promote premature drying of the needles and branches.
