Every festive season, households around the world welcome the beauty and scent of real Christmas trees into their homes. However, preserving the vibrant charm and festivity of these trees requires more than simply positioning them in a stand and dressing them with ornaments. Here are some tips on how to look after your real Christmas tree, ensuring it maintains its beauty throughout the holiday season.
Select A Fresh Tree
Begin by selecting a tree that’s fresh. To make sure you’re picking a fresh tree, aim for one that is green, moist and has flexible needles. You can test the freshness of a tree by lightly pulling on a branch. If needles are easily dislodged, the tree may be too dry.
Adapt Your Tree
Once you bring your tree home, allow it to get used to your home’s conditions before decorating. This usually means letting the tree rest in a garage or sheltered porch for a day or two that’s not heated. This adjustment can help prevent shock from abrupt changes in temperature or humidity.
Trim the Base
Following this, chop a small section of the tree trunk off the bottom. This helps the tree to absorb water more effectively, extending its freshness. Generally, about 1 to 2 centimetres is the ideal amount. It’s important to place the tree in water as soon as possible after making this cut.
Choose the Right Stand
When selecting a stand for your real Christmas tree, ensure it matches the tree’s size and has a sufficient water reservoir, ideally one quart per inch of trunk diameter. Opt for a stand with a sturdy, wide base for stability, and consider features like ease of setup, durability, and safety mechanisms. Also, look for stands that suit your tree type and protect your floor from scratches and water damage. Measure your tree’s specifications before purchasing and consider reading reviews for recommendations.Keep It Hydrated & Place Safely
To keep your real Christmas tree hydrated, make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk before placing it in water immediately. Check and refill the water daily, ensuring it never drops below the tree’s base, and use plain tap water without additives. Position the tree away from heat sources and consider using a humidifier in dry environments. Avoid trimming the trunk’s sides to fit a stand, as the outer layers are crucial for water absorption.Use Safe Decorations
Opt for decorations that are non-flammable or flame-retardant. Steer clear of using real candles on your tree, regardless of how traditional they are. Always unplug lights and electronic decorations when you’re not present.Also See: How to Decorate Your Natural Christmas Tree Like a Pro
