We all love a gorgeous Christmas tree, but keeping it fresh and vibrant throughout the season takes a little know-how—especially when it comes to watering. If you’ve ever wondered how much water your tree really needs or why it seems to dry out so quickly, you’re in the right place.
Here you will dive into the know-how of keeping your tree properly hydrated and prevent those dreaded dried-out needles.
Keeping your Christmas tree fresh is all about one key thing: water! The amount of water it absorbs plays a huge role in how long the Christmas tree will last. So, how much water does a Christmas tree need to stay fresh throughout the season?
A Christmas tree can drink up to 3.8 litres (1 gallon) of water a day. That’s about a large milk jug! How much water it needs depends on its size. A taller tree, say around 6-7 ft (1.8-2.1 metres), will naturally soak up more water because it has a bigger surface area to keep hydrated. The bigger the tree, the thirstier it gets!
The environment also affects how much water your tree needs. If your home is warm, or if the tree is placed near a heat source, it will likely drink more. Indoor heat can cause the tree to dry out faster. You’ll need to check the water level in the tree stand more often. The trunk needs to always be submerged in water always, that’s what you should remember.
Important: Fresh-cut trees absorb a lot of water at first, so refill the stand often. After a few days, it will settle into a routine but check it daily to avoid dryness.
A little preparation goes a long way.
Watering a tree sounds simple enough, but it often comes with some or all of these questions.
Plain, room-temperature water. That’s it. No need for fancy mixtures or special formulas—just regular tap water does the trick. But what about all those other things you’ve heard about adding to the water?
One of the popular ones is sugar. Sugar water doesn’t help your tree stay fresh. In fact, it can encourage bacteria growth, which can block the tree from absorbing water properly.
What about putting vinegar in the Christmas tree water? Nope! Vinegar can actually damage the tree and hinder its water absorption. The same goes for bleach. It is not a way to keep water clean. It’s poisonous to humans and trees alike.
Another popular myth is that adding aspirin to the water will keep a Christmas tree fresh. There’s no evidence to support that it helps keep a Christmas tree alive. Aspirin is for headaches, not trees! And finally, there’s also the salt suggestion. Salt can dry out your tree rather than help it. It pulls moisture out of the tree rather than keeping it hydrated. The opposite of what you want.
You should water your Christmas tree as soon as you set it up. Trees can be surprisingly thirsty, especially in the first few days after being brought inside. From that point on, check the water level every day.
Your tree will drink the most in the beginning, so be prepared to refill the stand multiple times if needed. A good rule is to keep the water level above the base of the tree at all times—if it dries out, the tree may stop absorbing water altogether.
Some of you may wonder how often to water a small Christmas tree or a potted Christmas tree? Smaller trees need consistent moisture. For potted trees, keep soil damp but not soggy, and avoid drying out. Check water daily.
Sometimes, your tree will give you signs that it’s getting thirsty. Dropping needles is a big one. If you notice an increase in needle loss, it might be a sign that your tree isn’t getting enough water. Browning tips on the branches or a change in the texture of the needles (from soft and flexible to dry and brittle) can also indicate dehydration.
If your tree seems thirsty but isn’t absorbing water, know this. The most common reason is that the bottom of the trunk has sealed over. When this happens, the tree can’t take up water properly. The solution is very simple. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk to allow for better water absorption. This is how you rehydrate a Christmas tree and revive it.
Cut the tree base and put it in the stand with water. Check the water daily. As long as the base stays in water, your tree will stay fresh. Simple as that.
Notice a bad smell from your Christmas tree stand? It’s a common problem with a simple solution.
Check our Christmas tree delivery schedule!
In addition to regular watering, there are a few extra Chrtistmas tree care steps you can follow.
Choose the right spot. Where you place your tree matters! Keep it away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight, which can dry it out quickly. The cooler the environment, the longer your tree will stay fresh.
Use LED lights. Traditional incandescent lights generate heat, which can dry out the branches over time. Instead, opt for LED lights. They’re more energy-efficient and run cooler, helping your tree last longer.
Trim branches sparingly. Be gentle when trimming your tree for decoration. Cutting too many branches can shock the tree and cause it to dry out faster. Stick to light, strategic trims and avoid over-pruning.
Mist the needles. If you want to go the extra mile, mist the tree’s needles with water every few days. This helps keep them hydrated and reduces needle loss. Just be careful not to soak electrical components!
Refresh the water regularly. Don’t just top off the water—replace it entirely every week or so. This prevents bacteria build-up, which can block the tree’s ability to absorb water.
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