Top tips for a healthy tree this Christmas
We’ve all experienced it – excitement takes over and you’ve put the Christmas decorations up earlier than ever before.
But there’s one problem – you’ve put them up so early that the tree is dead a week before the big day.
So here’s some tips from Christmas tree supplier Pines and Needles which will hopefully help your tree see it through to December 25 – and beyond.
According to Pines and Needles, the celebrity-favourite Christmas tree supplier, keeping your tree fresh and healthy takes more care than most people realise. In fact, looking after a Christmas tree is a lot like looking after a toddler.
To help people avoid the heartbreak of a dried-out tree before the big day, Pines and Needles, which has helped to deck the halls of everyone from music royalty to landmarks including The Royal Albert Hall, is sharing their top tree tips for keeping Christmas trees fresh, fragrant, and festive all season long.
1. Location matters
Position your tree away from radiators, fireplaces, and other heat sources. Even underfloor heating can have an impact, so consider this when choosing your tree’s spot. Excess heat dries out the tree, making it shed needles faster.
- Hydration is key
Did you know your Christmas tree can drink more than you do during the holidays? Place your tree in plain water using a specially designed Christmas tree stand. Many precious hours can be wasted trying to make a Christmas tree stand up straight in an ordinary bucket using just bricks or stones! A tree can drink up to 2–3 pints (1–2 litres) of water daily, so keep the stand topped up! Remember, if the water level drops below the trunk, sap will seal the bark, blocking further absorption, even if you refill it later.
- They need routine
Trees, like most people, are creatures of habit, thrive on consistency and prefer steady conditions. Do not expose your tree to sudden changes in temperature such as near drafts, heaters, or windows that get strong sunlight during the day but drop in temperature at night. By keeping your tree in a stable environment with steady warmth, you’ll help it stay lush, green, and festive throughout the holiday season. Remember, a tree with a routine is a tree that lasts!
And finally…
- Prep the trunk
What you do with the bottom of the tree is as important as what goes on top. Before setting up your tree, saw off the bottom 1 inch (3cm) of the trunk to create a fresh cut. This step reopens the pores in the bark, ensuring your tree can drink water efficiently and stay fresh for longer. (Good news: some suppliers do this for you, so it’s one less thing to worry about!)
“It’s the most celebrated event of the year, but millions of people still aren’t aware of how to look after their Christmas tree,” Pines and Needles’ Director Veronika Kusak explained.
“Treat a Christmas tree in the same way you would your young child – make sure they’ve had enough to drink, they don’t get too hot, and they have a routine.
“Cutting the bottom 3cms off your tree once you get it home is vital (or ask the seller to do it for you), as is watering it. Trees drink more than you do at Christmas – around three pints of water a day – but bigger trees will drink more, so it’s worth checking daily to see if your tree needs a top-up.
“Whether you’re decorating your tree for the first time or continuing a cherished family tradition, following these simple tips will keep your Christmas centerpiece fresh, fragrant, and festive right through to New Year.”
(Picture: Pines and Needles)