Keeping your real tree alive and emitting fresh scent throughout the holiday season may seem simple, but it's harder than you'd think to keep it fresh until Christmas morning. We're firm believers that your holiday tree shouldn't be a source of holiday stress, but we still haven't switched over to an artificial tree. Instead, we've mastered what it takes to keep our tradition alive and well. That's why we're sharing a couple of tips that'll help you reduce the presence of dry needles and keep your tree alive throughout the festive season.
5 Steps to Help Your Christmas Tree Last the Whole Season
Trim the Tree Trunk
Remove at least one inch off the bottom of the trunk of your pre-cut tree. Sure, you're caring for a tree with green needles that will surely die, but just like fresh flower stems, a trimmed trunk helps promote clean water uptake to keep 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; water absorption will begin immediately.
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. Make sure it has lots of water every time you check it. And remember, a 3-inch trunk diameter will drink more water per day than a smaller tree trunk.
Skip the Tree Preservatives
Use plain tap water with your fresh tree. Everyone has a friend or family member 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. Always choose plain water. Not hot water, not treated water, just a good ol' drink of water.
Keep Your Tree Away From Heat and Air Conditioning
Forced AC and constant heat sources, such as radiators, wood stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and heating vents can accelerate pine needle and branch drying. Even a south-facing window can begin to dry out your green tree. Position your fresh tree away from direct heat, away from a sunny window, and in an area of your room with adequate space for air circulation.
Turn Off Christmas Lights When You're Away
Both incandescent lights and LED lights warm the already-brittle needles and the branches, contributing to dehydration and accelerating needle drop. 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.
How long does a real cut Christmas tree last?
The longevity of a fresh-cut evergreen tree depends on the tree variety and how well it's cared for (including by the tree seller before it came home with you). There are more than a couple of options when it comes to buying a perfect tree, and all types 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 and slower drying process. 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 so it retains its color until New Years Day.
- 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 develop brown needles in 3-4 weeks, even with the best care.
- Spruce Trees (such as Blue Spruce, White 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.
