Real Tree Care

Proper Christmas Tree Care

Follow these tips to keep your real Christmas tree as fresh as possible. If you are unable to set up your tree as soon as you get home, store it in a cool sheltered area, like the North side of your house, away from the wind and sun. With proper care, your Christmas tree will bring warmth and pleasure throughout the holiday season!

1. Make a fresh cut.

Before you bring the tree into your home and place it in a stand, re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom just before putting it in the stand. Even if you just cut it on a choose and cut farm, this re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water.

2. Choose a spot away from heat sources.

Heat sources like heat registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stove, televisions, computer monitors, etc. speed up evaporation and moisture loss of the tree.

3. Water immediately.

After making the fresh cut, place the tree in a large capacity stand with warm water. The stand you use should hold at least one gallon of fresh water.

4. Don’t add anything to the water.

Research has shown that plain tap water is the best. Some commercial additives and home concoctions can actually decrease a tree’s moisture retention and increase needle loss.

5. Check water level daily.

Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and be unable to drink. Christmas trees are very thirsty! It is not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

6. Use low-heat lights. 

Decorate your tree with lights that are low heat, such as LEDs or miniature

lights. This will reduce the chance of your tree getting dry, which will keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

7. Recycle your Tree.

Many communities offer recycling programs where trees are collected and turned into mulch, compost, or wood chips. Some municipalities provide curbside pickup services specifically for Christmas trees during a designated period after the holiday. Or many local Home Depot stores offer recycling Christmas trees. If not, check out Earth 911 to find a program nearby.

Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.