7 Ways to Keep Your Live Christmas Tree Fresh for as Long as Possible

It takes a little effort and some care to prepare a Christmas tree for guests and photos—but it’s worth every ounce of water (and every scattered pine needle) to keep a live Christmas tree fresh and vibrant over the holidays.

From choosing the right stand to how often to water a Christmas tree, it’s important to properly care for your tree. Ahead, an expert gives you his best tips on how to keep your living Christmas tree fresh and blooming all season long.

Start with the right Christmas tree

Your local Christmas tree place, farm or nursery may only sell a few types of trees, but if you have a large selection, opt for “real firs” such as Noble, Fraser, Nordmann and Turkish because they last the longest (four to six weeks). The trees with the second longest lifespan include Douglas fir, Scots pine, balsam fir and giant fir. Spruces only last two to three weeks.

If you can, shop where felled trees are stored under shade tents or wrapped in burlap – not in a place exposed to full sun where they can dry out. If you are purchasing your tree from a local farm, make sure the tree you are purchasing does not come from another state. Trees out of state may be exposed to strong winds during transportation, which may cause your tree to dry out prematurely.

Trim the trunk

Just as flowers need a fresh cut before being placed in a vase, Christmas tree trunks also need a cut so they can absorb water. “You should make a fresh cut to remove about a half-inch thick slice of wood from the base of the tree trunk before placing it in the stand,” says Marsha Gray, executive director of The Real Christmas Tree Board. “You can even ask the tree park, farm or store to help you with this task before you take it home.”

Get your tree into the water as quickly as possible

After the salesperson cuts the trunk for you, place the tree upside down on the car roof to minimize needle loss. Place the tree in water within four to six hours of the fresh cut.

If you are not setting up the tree immediately, place it in a cool, dark place, such as a bedroom. B. in the garage, in a bucket of water. Ideally, you should put your tree in water immediately “when you bring it home and check the water daily to make sure the water level doesn’t go below the base of the trunk,” says Gray.

Buy the right tree stand

It is best to use a metal Christmas tree stand as it will break over time. As for size, Gray recommends a tree stand that delivers one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. This ensures that it contains enough water to ensure proper hydration.

Avoid exposure to heat

Where you place your live Christmas tree is important – not just for looks, but also for safety and convenience. If possible, keep your tree away from too much direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause it to dry out more quickly.

And while it’s comforting to remember that trees don’t technically do that start Fires, here are some of Grey’s top tips for accident prevention.

• Keep your tree away from larger heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, lamps, stovetops).
• Check your light sets for wear before using them on the tree.
• Do not overload circuits.
• Always turn off your tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

“As long as you keep the water level consistent and turn off the lights when you go to bed, your tree will stay safe and well-hydrated,” says Gray.​​

Wrap your tree in LED lights

Surprisingly, the type of Christmas lights you decorate your tree with can have an impact on how long your tree lasts. LEDs use at least 75% less energy than conventional lights and last a whopping 25 times longer. LEDs don’t give off nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs, which helps prevent your tree from drying out as quickly and reduces the risk of fire.

Some people still prefer the sparkle of old-fashioned varieties, but if you’re ready to make the money-saving switch, try Invisilites, tiny bulbs on a wire so thin they disappear into the tree.

Water your tree daily

You already know that you should keep a tree away from heat sources (vents, fireplaces, wood stoves) for fire safety and endurance reasons, but you may not know that a tree needs about a gallon of water every day.

Check the water level daily and note: The cut surface of the trunk should never be exposed to air. Pure tap water is best, so avoid chemicals and homemade additives. It’s best to make it a habit (check it in the morning while the coffee is brewing or every night before you go to bed).