How to Care for Your Real Christmas Tree and Keep it Fresh Throughout the Holidays

There's something magical about bringing home a real Christmas tree during the holiday season. The crisp smell of pine, the vibrant green needles, and the excitement of decorating it together with your loved ones create a cherished memory each year. While many people are turning to artificial trees, there's no denying the charm and authenticity of a real tree. To ensure your tree stays fresh and vibrant throughout the season, it's essential to give it the care it deserves. This article will provide you with tips and tricks to keep your real Christmas tree looking its best from the moment of Christmas tree delivery to the end of the holiday season.

1. Choosing the Right Tree

Before you can care for your real Christmas tree, you must first choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a tree:

• Tree species: Some tree species hold their needles and retain moisture better than others. The most popular types include Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, and Norway Spruce

• Freshness: Look for a tree with a healthy green color, strong branches, and a pleasant fragrance. The needles should be flexible, and very few should fall off when you run your hand along the branches.

• Size: Consider the size of the room where you plan to place your tree. Make sure to measure the height and width of the space so you can select a tree that fits comfortably.

2. Christmas Tree Delivery

If you want to save time and effort, many companies offer Christmas tree delivery. This service ensures that your tree arrives directly to your doorstep, saving you the hassle of transporting it yourself. When using a Christmas tree delivery service, remember to schedule the delivery as close to the time you plan to set up your tree as possible to maintain its freshness.

3. Setting up Your Tree

Once your Christmas tree delivery arrives, it's time to set it up. Follow these steps to ensure your tree stays fresh and safe:

• Make a fresh cut: Before placing your tree in its stand, cut off at least half an inch from the bottom of the trunk. This fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water more efficiently.

• Choose the right stand: Select a stand that can hold enough water for the size of your tree. A good rule of thumb is to have one quart of water capacity for every inch of trunk diameter.

• Place your tree away from heat sources: To prevent your tree from drying out quickly, position it away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and vents.

• Secure the tree: Make sure the tree is secured in the stand and stands straight. If necessary, use guide wires to anchor the tree to a wall or ceiling to prevent it from falling.

4. Watering Your Christmas Tree

Watering your tree is the most crucial aspect of keeping it fresh. Follow these guidelines to ensure your tree stays hydrated:

• Check water levels daily: Your tree may absorb up to a gallon of water per day, especially during the first week. Check the water level in the stand daily and refill as necessary.

• Use plain water: Contrary to popular belief, adding additives to the water is not necessary. Plain tap water is sufficient for your tree.

• Keep the water level above the base of the trunk: If the water level drops below the base of the trunk, the cut end may seal, making it more difficult for the tree to absorb water.

5. Decorating Your Tree Safely

When decorating your tree, follow these safety tips to prevent accidents and damage:

• Inspect your lights: Check all light strings for frayed wires, broken bulbs, and loose connections. Replace any damaged lights before using them on your tree.

• Choose LED lights: LED lights are more energy-efficient and produce less heat than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the risk of your tree drying out or catching fire.

• Distribute decorations evenly: Balance the weight of your ornaments and decorations evenly across the branches to prevent the tree from leaning or becoming unstable.

• Avoid flammable decorations: Choose non-flammable decorations whenever possible, and avoid using candles on or near your tree.

6.   Disposing of Your Tree

After the holiday season has come to an end, it's essential to dispose of your tree properly:

• Don't wait too long: The longer your tree remains indoors, the drier it will become, increasing the risk of fire. Plan to remove your tree shortly after the holidays.

• Recycle your tree: Many communities offer tree recycling programs that turn your tree into mulch or wood chips. Check with your local waste management facility for specific details.

• Do not burn your tree: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. The sap in the tree can cause flammable creosote to build up in your chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

 

Caring for your real Christmas tree requires a little extra effort, but the result is a beautiful and fragrant centrepiece for your holiday celebrations. By selecting the right tree, using a convenient Christmas tree delivery service, and following proper care guidelines, you can keep your tree fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season. By giving your tree the attention it deserves, you'll create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and friends to enjoy.

If you're in need of a beautiful real Christmas tree delivered to a location in London (within M25), whether this be a Nordmann Fir or Fraser Fir, please feel free to reach out to us at Creekside Christmas!