One of the most common questions our team gets around Christmas is how to keep your real Christmas tree looking vibrant and fresh once it’s settled in at home. So, our crew has put their heads together to come up with these handy tips. Remember, your tree is still somewhat alive—think of it like a cut flower. With the right care, you can extend its freshness and keep it looking fabulous throughout the season.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Tree Fresh:

🎄 Storing Before Decorating – If you’re not ready to put up your tree right away, store it outside in a cool, sheltered spot. This will help maintain its freshness until you’re ready to bring it inside.

🎄 Loose Needles? No Problem! – When you unwrap your tree, you might spot some loose needles. Don’t worry! Trees shed old needles throughout the year, but sometimes these hang around until transport shakes them loose. Give your tree a gentle shake to help it drop any lingering old needles.

🎄 Trim the Base – If possible, saw about an inch off the bottom of the trunk before you bring it indoors. While not essential, this helps the tree absorb water more easily.

🎄 Avoid the Heat – Keep your tree away from direct heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Heat is the biggest culprit when it comes to needle drop, so choosing a cooler spot will keep your tree looking fresher longer.

🎄 Water is Key – Make sure the base of your tree is sitting in water. A tree stand with a water reservoir is ideal, but even a simple bucket will do.

🎄 Decorating Smarts – Hang heavier ornaments on the strongest branches to avoid weighing down the more delicate ones. This will help keep your tree looking sturdy and well-balanced.

🎄 Keep it Hydrated – Check the water level regularly to ensure the base of the trunk stays submerged. As long as it’s in water, your tree will continue to drink. If your tree starts to look a bit droopy, adding plant food to the water can give it a boost, but regular watering is the most important factor.

🎄 Natural Needle Drop – Some tree varieties, like the Sussex and Fraser Firs, may shed more needles initially, but don’t be alarmed. This is just the older needles falling away, and the tree will still look lush and full as long as it stays hydrated.

🎄 Responsible Disposal – Once the festive season is over, make sure to recycle your tree properly. You can find your nearest recycling point on your local council’s website or at recyclenow.com.