How to care Christmas tree

Benefit of care Christmas tree

Taking care of your Christmas tree has numerous benefits that can enhance your holiday experience. Firstly, a well-nourished tree stays vibrant and green for longer, maintaining its fresh pine scent that fills the room with the spirit of Christmas. The needles are less likely to dry out and fall off, keeping your home clean and reducing the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, a healthy tree can support decorations better, allowing you to adorn it with more lights, ornaments, and tinsel without the branches drooping. Lastly, properly caring for your Christmas tree is a great way to appreciate nature and instill a sense of responsibility, especially if you involve the whole family in the process.

Top tips for a happy Christmas tree

1. Buy a top-quality, fresh tree

To buy a top-quality, fresh Christmas tree, consider shopping with quality in mind. Look for Forestry England sellers near you who offer home-grown trees. Alternatively, if you have to go elsewhere, make sure to check the needles. They should be flexible and green, indicating a healthy tree. Tough needles that snap when bent are a sign of a half-dead tree that won’t last long.

Another way to assess a tree’s health is by tapping the cut end to the ground. While a few falling needles are normal, if a lot fall off with minimal movement, it’s a sign that you should find another tree.

 

2. Give your trunk a trim

When you bring your tree home, give the trunk a trim by sawing off about half an inch. This simple step removes hardened sap and helps the tree absorb water, making sure it stays fresh and green during your festivities.

If you don’t have the tools, you can always ask your friendly Christmas tree seller for assistance!

Read more: Christmas trees on sale Black Friday

 

3. Keep your tree watered

To keep your Christmas tree hydrated, it’s essential to choose a sturdy stand with a generous water capacity. Your tree requires constant access to water in order to maintain its freshness. Therefore, finding a stand with a well-designed water reservoir is crucial.

Remember to check the water level of your tree every day. You’ll be amazed at how much water they can consume, drinking up to two to three pints daily! Ensure that the tree’s trunk remains submerged in water for healthy and vibrant needles.

 

4. Leave out the gimmicks

Don’t be fooled by the gimmicks! Your lovely tree just needs a steady supply of fresh water, plain and simple. You may have heard that Coca-Cola or corn syrup can keep it alive, or that special tree food is necessary from the garden center. But let me tell you, that’s not true. All your tree truly wants is good old water to thrive. So skip the tricks and just give it what it needs – water!

 

5. Not too hot, not too cold

At this time of year, your tree’s natural habitat is outdoors, exposed to the cold air. It’s important to minimize the shock of relocating your tree and keep it happy by giving it some distance from the radiator. Too much heat or fluctuating temperatures can quickly dry out your tree.

If you plan to put your tree up early this year, make sure to keep it away from direct heat. Remember, the goal is to find a balance where it’s not too hot or too cold for your tree.

 

Tips to keep a real Christmas tree fresh and green

To keep your real Christmas tree fresh and green throughout the holiday season, you need to start with picking a healthy, vibrant tree. When you bring it home, give the tree a clean, straight cut across the bottom – this helps the tree absorb water more efficiently.

1. You’ve got to get that tree in water as soon as you can. Time is of the essence here! The longer the tree stays out of water, the harder it will be for it to stay fresh. A sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water is ideal, as it allows the tree to have enough water supply.

2. Now, here’s the important part – keep an eye on the water level daily. You don’t want it falling below the base of the tree. Refill it whenever it drops below the halfway point. On average, you might have to do this every one to two days.

3. And remember to keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators. Heat can dry out your tree faster.

4. Lastly, make sure to turn off the Christmas lights when you’re not around. Not only does this save energy, but it also reduces the chance of the lights overheating and drying out the tree.

Taking care of a real Christmas tree might seem like a big task, but trust me, the fresh pine scent and vibrant green needles are worth every bit of effort!

How to care for a live, potted Christmas tree

Caring for a live, potted Christmas tree is a bit like looking after a regular houseplant. The trick is to strike the right balance with watering. You don’t want the soil to dry out, but you also don’t want it to be waterlogged. So, check the soil every couple of days by touching it. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your tree.

Watering isn’t the only thing to consider though. You also need to think about the tree’s environment. If you’re keeping it indoors, it will probably dry out faster than if it was in your garden, so keep that in mind. To help retain moisture, you could add some mulch or reindeer moss on top of the soil.

Another important point is to avoid shocking the tree with sudden temperature changes. If you’re transitioning from inside to outside, do it gradually. Similarly, when moving it indoors a few days before Christmas, choose a spot with filtered light and away from drafts.

Alternative Christmas tree ideas to try this year

If you’re looking to switch up your traditional Christmas tree this year, there’s an avalanche of fun and unique alternatives. How about a chalkboard tree? You can draw one directly on a wall and even add decorations with colorful chalks. It’s a creative and mess-free idea from HGTV. Elle Decor suggests using real or faux garlands that bring a cozy, winter vibe to your rooms.

A rosemary shrub trimmed into a Christmas tree shape not only looks festive but smells amazing too, according to Rural Sprout. Homecrux offers a range of DIY ideas like wall-mounted trees made from lights or wooden shelves, decorated with colorful balls or paper.

Martha Stewart recommends a wooden dowel tree or a mini Christmas tree village, while House Beautiful features a birch Christmas tree hanger or a snowy pine pre-lit branch as alternatives. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, MyDomaine suggests trying a cactus Christmas tree or an optical illusion tree. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your home and style perfectly.