How to Keep Your Christmas Trees Fresh Throughout the Holiday Season

However, if you don't have any plans of setting up the tree immediately upon arrival at home, immerse it in a bucket of water to keep it well-hydrated. This temporary soaking helps the tree retain moisture, preventing it from drying out and maintaining its freshness until you're ready to set it up. As soon as you’re ready to bring the tree indoors, make another one-inch cut at the bottom of the trunk for the water to absorb efficiently.

Place the Tree Away from Heat Sources

Exposure to heat can accelerate needle drying. That’s why you should place your Christmas tree away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, heating vents, and furnaces. When you’re away, it’s safe to turn them off so the tree remains in a cool environment. This not only prevents potential hazards but it also helps slow down the drying process.

Water the Tree Regularly

Just like any plant, your Christmas tree needs to have adequate water in order to stay fresh. In fact, watering your tree regularly is the single most crucial step in preserving it for longer. As a general rule, give the tree about 1 litre of water for every inch of its trunk diameter. If possible, get a tree stand with a built-in reservoir so you can monitor it every day, especially during the first few days. This ensures that your tree is well-hydrated and doesn’t dry out and shed needles.

Do not use additives in the water

Avoid using additives in the water when watering your Christmas tree. While some may claim that doing so enhances water absorption or prevents bacterial growth, they are often unnecessary and may not significantly improve the tree's freshness. Instead, use only clean, plain water to hydrate your tree.

Remember to replace the water regularly, especially if it becomes stagnant, to maintain optimal hydration and prolong the life of your tree. After all, using additives such as aspirin, bleach, or commercial preservatives carries a potential risk to children or pets that may come in contact with the water.

With an automated setup, you can set a regular watering schedule and reduce the risk of the tree drying out due to irregular watering. Plus, an automatic watering system helps distribute water evenly, making sure that the entire root system receives the necessary moisture it needs throughout the holidays.

Takeaway

Keeping a Christmas tree fresh for the holidays can be rewarding yet challenging. Taking the time to water your tree regularly, placing it away from direct heat sources, and making a fresh cut at the base upon purchase are all essential steps. 

From the team at Bob and Ben The Tree Men we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!