How Long Do Real Christmas Trees Last?

Few things capture the Christmas spirit quite like a real tree. The fresh scent of pine filling the air, the soft glow of fairy lights, and that instant feeling of warmth that makes a house feel festive – it’s all part of what makes the season so special.

But as the days pass and the decorations settle into their sparkle, the same thought tends to creep in: how long will this beautiful tree stay looking full and green before the needles begin to fall?

It’s a question that comes around every December, as we all try to hold on to that little bit of Christmas magic for just a while longer.

If you are:

• Wondering how long will a real Christmas tree last;
• How long can you keep a real Christmas tree alive;

Then read on! This article is here to help.

How long do Real Christmas trees last indoors?

A real Christmas tree will usually last around four to six weeks indoors, depending on how well you care for it – just enough to see you through the season. Exactly how long it stays fresh depends on the type of tree and how recently it was cut when you brought it home.

Some trees are definitely tougher than others. Nordmann firs, for instance, are known for hanging on to its needles like an absolute pro. Others can start to dry out and drop a bit sooner once they’ve been inside for a while. Fir varieties such as Balsam, Fraser, and Noble are firm favourites for good reason – they smell incredible and can stay lush and green for up to five weeks if they were nice and fresh to begin with.

How long your tree lasts also depends on its age and how it was handled before you got it. Those freshly cut, cool-stored trees from a good local seller tend to hold their sparkle a little longer.

And when your tree’s time is nearly up, you’ll know. The scent fades, the needles start to drop, and those once-soft branches turn a bit crisp – a gentle reminder that the festive season’s winding down.

How long will a christmas tree potted last?

If you have a potted Christmas tree, it’s recommended to keep it indoors between a week and ten days, but not longer. Keep it any longer, and the tree will begin to suffer and will probably not thrive once put back outside in the cold.

When it’s time for the potted Christmas tree to leave the house, it should first be moved to an unheated but sheltered location where it needs to sit for a few days. Potted and pot-grown Christmas trees can be planted back into the soil, however, only if the ground isn’t frozen and is well mulched. 

How long will a cut Christmas tree last outside?

The lifespan of a cut Christmas tree outside can vary based on several factors, including the tree species, weather conditions, and how well it has been cared for before being placed outdoors. If temperatures are consistently low, the tree can last longer.

Cold weather helps slow down the drying process. High winds or direct sunlight can lead to quicker drying and needle loss, reducing the tree’s longevity. In ideal conditions, a cut Christmas tree placed outside can last anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the species and environmental factors.

Best types of Christmas trees, which one to choose? 

When looking for a Christmas tree, there are some questions you should ask yourself, as not all real tree varieties are the same. Are you looking for the best-smelling Christmas tree? Or, do you want a low-maintenance and non-drop one?

Different species of Christmas trees vary in how long they last once cut. Here are the most popular tree types:

• Nordmann Fir – One of the most sought-after Christmas trees, the Nordmann Fir is known for its soft, dark green needles that are less likely to shed. With proper care, this tree can last up to 5 weeks indoors.
• Fraser Fir – A popular choice for many households, the Fraser Fir has good needle retention and a pleasant scent. With adequate watering and care, the Fraser fir can stay fresh for 4 to 5 weeks.
• Noble Fir – Another excellent option, the Noble Fir features strong branches perfect for holding heavier decorations. This tree can last around 4 weeks with proper care.
• Scots Pine – The Scots pine is renowned for its needle retention, making it a hardy option. This tree can last up to 6 weeks with regular watering.
• Douglas Fir – Known for its fragrance, the Douglas Fir is a staple in many homes. However, it requires diligent care and can last 3 to 4 weeks.

If you need help with choosing the right tree, read our helpful Christmas tree buying guide. There, you’ll learn more about the different types of trees and which one lasts the longest.

How to look after a real Christmas tree?

To keep your Christmas tree alive and fresh-looking, you should consider some additional care:

When should you put up or take down a real Christmas tree?

There is no strict rule, only recommendations. Most people in the UK put their Christmas trees up around the 3rd of December. Other people like to put up their trees about 12-13 days before Christmas.

Frankly, it depends on your tree. If you have a Nordmann fir you can easily keep it up for the entire month of December. If you have a Norway Spruce, it would be best if you put it up as close to Christmas as possible.

According to the UK tradition, our Christmas decorations come down on the Twelfth Night, simply known as the 5th of January. This date is considered the last day of Christmas festivities and the eve of the Epiphany. It was once believed spirits lived inside decorative Christmas plants. Those spirits need to be released once the festivities are over.

It is sometimes debated which date is actually the Twelfth Night. Some people say it’s the 5th, others say it’s the 6th. The 6th of January is the day of Epiphany anyway, so one way or another, by then you should have gotten rid of your Christmas tree.

You can opt-in for Christmas tree disposal from us after the holidays, just make sure to contact us three days in advance so we can arrange the service.

Can real Christmas trees be delivered?

To make this holiday season less stressful, you can get in touch with the Fantastic Services support team and purchase the Christmas tree delivery and installation services. You can even include a Christmas tree disposal after the holidays.

A team of professionals will carry out the delivery and tree setup. Once the holidays have passed, you need not worry about what to do with your evergreen. The team can collect the tree and recycle it.

Takeaways

• Real Christmas trees last about a month indoors, but if you take good care of them, they could last longer;
• A cut Christmas tree would last several days outside, however, you would have to cut the end of the stem before putting it up inside.
• Cut and potted Christmas trees need different kinds of maintenance.
• There are no strict rules as to when you should put up your Christmas tree. It will depend on the kind of tree you buy.
  

So there you have it, your questions concerning how long Christmas trees last have been answered. Whether it’s the type of tree, its qualities or when’s the best time to put it up, you can always refer to this guide.

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