Avoid These Common Mistakes: The Don’ts of Real Christmas Tree Care

Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the most fun parts of the holiday. It can only be made better by placing the topper on a real one. However, live trees require more maintenance than artificial ones. So, how do you take care of a real Christmas tree? Keep reading to find out.

If you have ever:

• Bought a real Christmas tree;
• Wondered what to do to keep it looking fresh;
• Noticed the tree started drooping and wondered if you could do anything;

Then this article will answer your questions!

Not learning about the different tree species before shopping

There are a lot of Christmas tree varieties to choose from and each comes with its own specifics. So it’s good to know at least the basics before you start shopping.

The most popular type of Christmas tree in the UK is the Nordmann Fir. Why? Well, first of all, it’s pretty to look at, thanks to its glossy, thick needles which are dark green on top and bluish-green underneath.

The Nordman Fir is also easy to care for, as it holds onto its needles longer compared to other varieties of Christmas trees. And to top it all off, it’s an unscented tree with soft needles, which makes it very child and pet-friendly.

Damaging the tree during transportation

After having selected and bought the perfect Christmas tree, it’s time to take it home. Transporting your tree properly can help you keep it in good shape and avoid any damages that the car ride home might cause.

The wind can not only dry out the tree but can also break some of the needles if you’re driving at a higher speed. The cover will shield the gentle foliage from any damage if you’re transporting the Christmas tree on top of your car. It will also spare the paint from scratches, otherwise you will need a car detailing service to remedy the damages.

So, to guarantee your tree’s safety you need to:

1. Have the Christmas tree netted – Having the Christmas tree netted can prevent the branches from getting damaged and the needles from falling out. It also makes it more compact and easier to transport. You can also wrap the tree in a tarp or a blanket for extra protection.
2. If you are tying the tree on top of the car, point the base forward – It’s always best to transport the tree inside the car. However, if it doesn’t fit and you need to mount it on top, point the tree base forward with the top pointing back. This will prevent the wind from causing any damage to the branches and needles.
3. If you are transporting the tree inside the vehicle, avoid turning on the heating – High temperatures can dry out the needles and shorten your tree’s lifespan.

Unpack the tree as soon as you get home. By doing this you prevent fungus and mould from growing on the damp branches.

Not giving your Christmas tree time to adjust

Note that real Christmas trees need a little time to adjust to the temperature changes before being brought inside. Here is what you need to do before you decide to bring the plant inside:

1. Unwrap the tree and give it a good shake – This will get rid of any hibernating pests and weakened needles.
2. Cut off about 1 inch from the trunk and place the tree in water – When cut, sap seeps out of the tree trunk and seals it over. This can prevent the tree from absorbing water, so you need to cut off a part of the trunk. Make the cut perpendicular to the base with the help of a panel saw. Place the tree in water immediately.
3. Keep the tree in a cool, dry environment – To prevent the tree from drying out, keep it in a basement or a garage away from sunlight. If you have decided on a potted tree, you should keep it outside to keep it fresh. Ideally, bring it inside the weekend before Christmas.

Provided it’s in the right conditions, a cut Christmas tree can last up to a month.

Getting the wrong tree stand size for your tree

The time has come to mount your new Christmas tree on its stand and move it into the house. You will have to find a stand that fits your tree trunk. Measure the size of the trunk and the stand and get a larger one if necessary. This will ensure your tree is getting the right amount of water, as the right size stand will also have the right size water container.

There is no point in trying to make your tree fit into a smaller stand. Don’t whittle the sides! The outer layer is what absorbs the most water and damaging it can impact that.

As for how to place the tree on the stand, make sure the tree is standing straight first. Place it on the stand and fill the container with water immediately. Let the tree rest for a few hours or overnight to allow the branches to fall into their original position.

Choosing the wrong indoor location

Now that you have brought the tree into the house you need to make sure that it’s set up correctly. The location plays a very important role in your tree’s health and endurance, so take the time to think about it carefully.

You have to place the tree as far away as possible from heat sources. Heat is your Christmas tree’s biggest enemy. Place it away from any radiators, air conditioners or fireplaces. Be wary of Christmas lights as well. If possible, use LED ones.

Neglecting water needs

Water your Christmas tree regularly. A freshly cut tree can consume up to 4 litres of water in the first 24 hours! And if you’re wondering how often to water your Christmas tree, the answer is once a day. This will prevent branch drooping and dehydration.

If you have a potted Christmas tree, however, make sure the pot has good drainage. This will reduce the risk of overwatering your tree. As with houseplants, too much or too little water can damage a potted tree.

Attempting to “feed” your tree

Nowadays there are many commercial preservatives which claim to be highly effective in feeding Christmas trees. There are also suggestions to add things like sugar, Coca-Cola, corn syrup and the likes. They are mixed into the tree’s water tank-stand with the idea to extend the tree’s lifespan.

While some people claim that these are very effective, there aren’t currently any studies to support those claims. One thing is for certain, and that’s your Christmas tree needs plenty of water to stay alive.

Looking for the perfect Christmas tree?

Having the right Christmas tree can make your holiday even more joyful. Fantastic Services offers a real Christmas tree delivery service to keep your spirits high and your home looking jolly.

Get your tree picked up and delivered by experts for a hassle-free festive season. We can install your tree and even handle the removal after the holidays!

Takeaways

• Real Christmas trees require daily maintenance to keep them fresh.
• When transporting the tree on top of your car, wrap it in a tarp or blanket to protect it.
• Make sure to water your evergreen regularly.
• Keep the Christmas tree away from heat sources.
• Check that you have the right size stand for your tree.
• Clean up any fallen needles daily to prevent them from accumulating.

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Did we miss anything? Do you have some Christmas tree caring tips you would like to share? Drop a comment below or give us a shout on social media.