How do you keep a real christmas tree alive? Discover best practices (2024)

When you spend the holidays caring for your real Christmas tree in your living room, things are just…better. Whether it’s something compact for your cozy space or a grand centrepiece in your spacious living room, your tree looks better, and it smells better, too. Plus, it always wows your guests and loved ones with its festive elegance–especially once you’ve added the Christmas decorations.

And yet, no one discusses the stress that caring for them entails. While it’s true that no real Christmas tree lasts forever, nothing trumps the dread of a tree dying before Christmas Eve. The fear of losing a tree before the 24th is enough to get you bringing out that pre-lit artificial Christmas tree every year.


But fear not: there are strategies that will ensure your tree stays fresh and green until New Year’s Eve.

How do you keep a real christmas tree alive? Discover best practices (1)

3 Easy Tips on How to Keep a Real Christmas Tree Alive

To make your Christmas even brighter: these strategies are not complicated, and we Real Christmas Tree Elves will never gatekeep them.

With these simple steps, you can dramatically improve the life of your Christmas tree and your holiday season!

1. Cut Your Stump to Keep it Fresh

Here’s a little secret about real Christmas trees: sap is a trap! And it can be the bane of your tree’s existence if it’s not managed properly.

The sap of the Christmas tree can create a seal that limits water absorption, which will shorten the life of your tree, resulting in a very glum Christmas indeed.

Here’s how you can prevent this from happening:

As soon as your real tree arrives in your home, cut the trunk about one centimeter from the bottom with a straight, level cut. This removes sap buildup while exposing the tree’s vessels for better water absorption. You must get the tree in water as soon as possible after you make the cut. Ensuring the end doesnt have time to dry out. At The Tree Elves, we guarantee a fresh cut every time we deliver a tree, taking the hassle out of your holiday.

Not sure how to water your tree?

That’s the feature of our next strategy!

How do you keep a real christmas tree alive? Discover best practices (2)

2. Consistently Water Your Real Christmas Tree

So you’ve brought your real Christmas tree home, you’ve trimmed the stump and…now what?

Now, it’s time to set up the tree for regular watering.

The first few days from which you receive your Christmas tree are critical–it’s going to be quite thirsty. So make sure to water it immediately.

How?

By placing water in the stand!

A stand should ideally be large-capacity, which means it can hold at least 2-3 litres of water. Keep in mind that your tree can absorb up to 3-4 litres in those first 24 hours so you will need several top ups in the following days, so keep the water coming!

Remember to keep the stump submerged in water–if the stump is exposed, it will immediately start creating a seal. If you notice that your tree is not consuming water, it may need a fresh cut (which as you can imagine is not easy when you’re tree is decorated!).

3. Don’t Place Your Tree in Direct Heat

The Australian summer can be harsh on real Christmas trees, so we recommend getting your tree inside as soon as possible. Better yet: setting it up away from direct sunlight is recommended, if you can manage it. It is also helpful to keep the blinds down during the day.

It’s especially important to keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and heaters, as this will help prevent your tree from drying out and losing moisture. It is also helpful to note that air con will contribute to drying your tree, so try to keep it away from any vents, cool or hot.

Finally, if the weather’s particularly hot, always make sure that your stand is filled to the brim with water.

With these strategies, you can ensure that your tree will stay merry and bright all through the holidays!

How do you keep a real christmas tree alive? Discover best practices (3)

FAQs

How often should you add water to a real Christmas tree?

To keep your Christmas tree fresh, you should check the water level daily and add water as needed. A general rule is to ensure that the water never falls below the base of the tree trunk. Within the first 24 hours, trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water, so it’s important to maintain a consistent water supply.

Do real Christmas trees need water?

If you want to know how to keep a Christmas tree alive, yes, real Christmas trees need water to stay fresh and prevent the needles from drying out. Once a tree is cut, it stops receiving water from its roots, so placing it in a tree stand with water helps maintain its freshness.


How long does a real Christmas tree last without water?

A real Christmas can begin to dry out and lose its needles within 4-6 hours without water. To keep it fresh, always make sure that the tree has enough water, especially within the first few hours after it’s been set up.

How do you make a real Christmas tree last longer?

To make a real Christmas tree last longer, follow these tips:

  • Cut 1-2 inches off the base of the trunk before placing it in water, ensuring better water absorption.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water and check it daily.
  • Position the tree away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight.
  • Use LED lights that emit less heat to avoid drying out the branches.


How to keep a real Christmas tree fresh?

To keep your real Christmas tree fresh, be sure to water it consistently so that the stand never runs dry, and trim a small slice off the bottom of the trunk for better water uptake. It’s also important to keep your tree away from heat sources like direct sunlight, and consider misting the branches occasionally with water to reduce needle loss.


How to maintain a real Christmas tree?

Maintaining a real Christmas tree involves keeping the water reservoir full at all times and avoiding placing the tree near heat sources. Trimming the trunk to allow for better water absorption and cleaning up fallen needles will also help enforce your tree’s longevity and safety.


Why has my Christmas tree gone brown?

A real Christmas tree may turn brown because of the following reasons:

  • Lack of water, which dries out needles.
  • Exposure to heat, which can dry out the branches.
  • Cutting the tree too long before the holiday season. If your tree is browning, it may not have absorbed enough water, or the environment could be too dry or warm.

How can I make my Christmas tree look better?

To improve the appearance of your Christmas tree, make sure it’s well-watered to prevent needle loss, fluff and shape the branches evenly, and use a combination of small and large ornaments to balance the look. If you notice any gaps, you can fill them in with decorations like garlands, ribbons, or tinsel. And don’t forget the lights!

How do I keep my Christmas tree from sagging?

To prevent your real Christmas tree from sagging, make sure to water it regularly, as dehydration weakens the branches. If your tree is still sagging, consider removing heavy ornaments to trim excess weight, or you could even try rotating or repositioning the tree.

What to put in Christmas tree water to make it last longer?

While many people suggest additives like sugar, aspirin, or commercial tree preservatives, the best thing is truly plain, fresh water.

What type of water is best for my real Christmas tree?

Tap water is perfectly fine for your Christmas tree. Contrary to some beliefs, there is no need to add anything extra like sugar, aspirin, or commercial tree preservatives. Simply ensure that the water is fresh and clean, and keep the tree stand filled.

Where should I place my Christmas tree to ensure it stays fresh longer?

Unlike artificial trees, a real tree can dry out. Position your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, and direct sunlight, as these can dry out the tree faster. A cool, shaded spot in the room is ideal for maintaining the tree’s moisture and keeping it fresh throughout the season.

How can I prevent my Christmas tree from shedding too many needles?

Australian christmas trees do not tend to drop nettles during their life. Most of the shedding will occurring carrying the tree inside the house. Ensure you give it a good shake before bringing it inside, and you can even wrap it in a tarp or sheet to save you the hassle of vacuuming afterwards.

How long does a real Christmas tree last?

With proper care, a real Christmas tree can last up to 4-5 weeks. To extend its freshness, make sure it’s adequately watered, kept away from heat sources, and placed in a tree stand that holds enough water. When your tree is finished for the year, make sure to recycle it–The Tree Elves will even collect your tree and recycle it for you!

What should I do if my tree dies before Christmas?

If your Christmas tree dies out or dies prematurely despite proper care, contact the seller from which you purchased the tree. Many retailers offer replacements or refunds if the tree dies within a certain period. Be sure to keep your receipt and inquire about their return or replacement policy when buying your tree.

How do you keep a real christmas tree alive? Discover best practices (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 5702

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.