How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Through the End of The Year
Keeping your tree alive throughout the holiday season may seem simple, but it's harder than you'd think to keep it looking fresh until Christmas morning. Your holiday tree shouldn't be a source of holiday stress. Follow these straightforward tips to ensure it stays lush, green, and ready for the festivities.
5 Steps to Help Your Christmas Tree Last the Whole Season
Trim the Tree Trunk
You'll need to take at least one inch off the bottom of the trunk of your pre-cut tree. You're caring for a tree that is slowly going to die, yes, but just like fresh flower stems, a trimmed trunk helps promote clean water uptake which keeps the tree hydrated. If you don't have a saw, many stores and fresh-cut tree stands are willing to help with this, but make sure you get the tree in water as soon as you're home.
Related: 6 Important Things to Do Before Bringing Your Christmas Tree Inside
Keep Fresh Water in the Tree Stand
The bottom 2-3" of the trunk needs to remain submerged for the entire time it lives in your home. Check the tree water daily.
Skip the Tree Preservatives
Use plain tap water with your fresh tree. Everyone has a friend whose claim to tree longevity hinges on a special additive or formula that makes the tree invincible, but there's little scientific evidence to prove one method over another. Plus, using additives like aspirin, bleach, or commercial preservatives can pose a risk to children or pets that come in contact with the water.
Related: The Reasons Why So Many People Are Choosing a Potted Christmas Tree
Keep Your Tree Away From Heat and Air Conditioning
Forced AC and heat sources, such as radiators, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and heating vents can accelerate pine needle and branch drying. Try and position your fresh tree in an area of your room with adequate space for air circulation.
Turn Off Christmas Lights When You're Away
Lights (even LED strands) warm the already-brittle needles and the branches, contributing to dehydration and brittleness. We're not saying to skip the lights, just keep them turned off all day while you're at work to help your tree look its best a little while longer.
Related: Answering 11 Important Questions About Holiday Light Safety and Efficiency
How Long Does a Real Cut Christmas Tree Last
The longevity of a fresh-cut Christmas tree depends on the type of tree and how well it's cared for (including before it came home with you). There are more than a couple of options when it comes to buying a Christmas tree, and all are known for different characteristics:
Fir Trees (such as Blue Fir Trees, Fraser Fir Trees, Douglas Fir Trees, or Balsam Fir Trees): Fir trees are touted for their excellent needle retention. These trees, especially the Fraser Fir can last for about 4-6 weeks with proper care. If you're going to get a new tree right after Thanksgiving, focus your sights on one of these varieties.
Pine Trees (such as White Pine or Scotch Pine): Pine trees have fair needle retention; some would say that the Scotch Pine is better than the White Pine. Conifer needles tend to dry out in 3-4 weeks, even with the best care.
Spruce Trees (such as Blue Spruce or Norway Spruce): Spruce trees are hit or miss. Blue Spruce trees have sharp needles with fair retention, but the Norway Spruce doesn't perform as well. They often start to drop needles after 2-4 weeks.
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