How to Care for Your Christmas Tree
Keep your tree looking lush until the last ornament is packed away with these tips for watering, using stands and more
Therese Ciesinski
November 26, 2022
Houzz Contributor
Artificial trees may have increased in popularity, but for the purist, only a real tree will do. No matter how realistic it looks, an artificial tree can’t compete with the scent and feel of a real evergreen. It’s a living part of nature that, for a short time, we give a place of honor in our homes.
And no matter which kind of tree it is — spruce, fir, pine or cypress — once it’s indoors, the goal is to keep the tree fresh and green. This means keeping the needles pliable and on the tree until the holidays are over. And the only thing that does that is water, lots of it, every day.
And no matter which kind of tree it is — spruce, fir, pine or cypress — once it’s indoors, the goal is to keep the tree fresh and green. This means keeping the needles pliable and on the tree until the holidays are over. And the only thing that does that is water, lots of it, every day.
Get the Tree in Water Immediately
Once you get your tree home, put it into water as soon as possible, within eight hours. If the trunk wasn’t freshly cut at the place where you bought the tree, then saw an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk and put it in a tree stand filled with fresh water. If you’re not ready to set it up, put it in a bucket of water in a cool place. The water temperature doesn’t matter.
Once you get your tree home, put it into water as soon as possible, within eight hours. If the trunk wasn’t freshly cut at the place where you bought the tree, then saw an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk and put it in a tree stand filled with fresh water. If you’re not ready to set it up, put it in a bucket of water in a cool place. The water temperature doesn’t matter.
Use the Right Stand
It should comfortably fit the diameter of the trunk. Whittling the trunk down will only dry the tree out faster. The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that a tree stand should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Be sure the tree stand you choose has a large water reservoir. A tree can take up a gallon of water in its first few hours in the stand.
Find Christmas decorations in the Houzz Shop
It should comfortably fit the diameter of the trunk. Whittling the trunk down will only dry the tree out faster. The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that a tree stand should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Be sure the tree stand you choose has a large water reservoir. A tree can take up a gallon of water in its first few hours in the stand.
Find Christmas decorations in the Houzz Shop
Water, Water, Water
Big trees mean lots of agua. Watch that the cut part of the trunk stays below the waterline. Adding aspirin, lemon soda or other concoctions to the water won’t extend the tree’s life, but it might sicken pets or children if they drink out of the water reservoir.
Once indoors, a live tree’s branches will relax and open. Allow enough space when siting the tree for the lowest branches to fall open and not get in the way of foot traffic.
Big trees mean lots of agua. Watch that the cut part of the trunk stays below the waterline. Adding aspirin, lemon soda or other concoctions to the water won’t extend the tree’s life, but it might sicken pets or children if they drink out of the water reservoir.
Once indoors, a live tree’s branches will relax and open. Allow enough space when siting the tree for the lowest branches to fall open and not get in the way of foot traffic.
Keep the Tree Cool
To an evergreen that spent years growing in a field, your house is as dry as the Sahara Desert. Position the tree out of the sun and away from heat sources. Keep the temperature in the room as low as is practical.
As magical as it seems to come home to a sparkling tree, don’t leave the tree’s lights on overnight or when no one’s in the house.
Shop for Christmas ornaments
To an evergreen that spent years growing in a field, your house is as dry as the Sahara Desert. Position the tree out of the sun and away from heat sources. Keep the temperature in the room as low as is practical.
As magical as it seems to come home to a sparkling tree, don’t leave the tree’s lights on overnight or when no one’s in the house.
Shop for Christmas ornaments
Even with daily watering, cut trees will eventually dry out. When needles drop when you touch them, and branches droop so low that ornaments are hitting the floor, it’s time to take off the lights and decorations, wrap the tree in an old sheet, and take it outside.
You can saw off some of the tree’s branches and cover garden beds with them to protect plants, or turn them into mulch with a chipper or shredder. If you have the acreage, drag the tree to an out-of-the-way spot for birds and animals to use as cover. Most communities now collect spent Christmas trees and make mulch or compost from them, which they offer back to residents. The saddest end for a tree is for it to be hauled off to a landfill, instead of being turned back into soil — allowed to decompose and feed living creatures, the way nature intended.
You can saw off some of the tree’s branches and cover garden beds with them to protect plants, or turn them into mulch with a chipper or shredder. If you have the acreage, drag the tree to an out-of-the-way spot for birds and animals to use as cover. Most communities now collect spent Christmas trees and make mulch or compost from them, which they offer back to residents. The saddest end for a tree is for it to be hauled off to a landfill, instead of being turned back into soil — allowed to decompose and feed living creatures, the way nature intended.
Tell us: How do you keep your tree looking fresh? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Light Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro
Find home professionals near you
Shop for holiday decor
More on Houzz
How to Light Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro
Find home professionals near you
Shop for holiday decor
We know that how a home functions parallels its design, and we immerse ourselves in the details to ensure that... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
We specialize in small to medium-sized remodeling projects and an array of home repairs. Read More
Related Stories
Houzz Call
Houzz Call: Show Us the Stunning Snowy Scenes Near Your Home
Please share the best pictures of your home and garden in winter
Full Story
Christmas
Houzz Readers Share Their Christmas Trees
By Becky Harris
These 25 trees are infused with memories and holiday cheer
Full Story
Winter Gardening
Last-Minute Ideas for Attractive Winter Container Designs
Create a welcoming holiday entryway with ideas from these 9 looks
Full Story
Housekeeping
A Clean Home for the Holidays in 5 Days
Follow this guide to get your house clean before the festivities begin and your guests arrive
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Houzz Cats Get Into the Holiday Spirit
By Becky Harris
Houzz readers’ feline family members love the Christmas tree, the tree skirt and even the rolls of wrapping paper
Full Story
Decorating Guides
14 Easy Last-Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas
These festive decorations for doors, windows, stairs and tables can be created quickly
Full Story
Decluttering
5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Season Burnout
By Patricia Lee
You can enjoy the traditions and activities that matter to you and let go of the rest
Full Story
Fall and Thanksgiving
10 Easy Ways to Give Your Entryway and Front Yard a Holiday Boost
Make your entry inviting this season with decorations, lighting, furniture and more
Full Story
Christmas
Houzz Call: Show Us Your Christmas Tree!
By Becky Harris
Please share your favorite Christmas tree traditions and stories, and post your photos
Full Story
Powder Rooms
10 Things to Enhance Your Powder Room for the Holidays or Anytime
Treat yourself and your guests to one of these special touches for the powder room
Full Story
Trees also take in water through their leaves/ needles. I have found that heavy misting before decorating helps. Continue misting daily, just be careful to avoid delicate decorations. Even reaching into the tree and misting the interior or the backside you might not have decorated will really help. A well watered and cared for tree can last as long as 6 weeks if your tree was really fresh when you brought it home.
We eschew fancy skirts for a large piece of heavy duty clear plastic under the tree. That makes watering much easier and foolproof. When it's time to take the tree down, my husband brings in a tarp, gets out his pruners, and limbs it all the way up. The branches get hauled to the local landscape products plant to be recycled (could go in your yard waste bin) and the trunk is saved for next year's Yule log.
Timely sustainable xmas tips and lovely pics - thank you and merry xmas to all at houzz!