How to care for your real Christmas tree this holiday season

The scent of pine resin, the beautiful gleam of twinkling lights against the dark green needles… the beauty of a real tree is a wonderful Christmas tradition. Business Optimizer considers the tips you need to keep your Christmas tree looking magical all through the holidays.

A Christmas tree is a wonderful centerpiece to your festive decorations, but how do you keep it looking fabulous all holiday season long?

#1. Choose your Christmas tree responsibly

If you are choosing a real Christmas tree this year, choose sustainably. Opt for a tree that has been grown locally to cut down on its carbon miles.

The Forestry Commission suggests looking for a tree which has supple needles. It says, “be sure to check the needles are flexible and green. Tough needles which snap when bent are a sign of a half-dead tree which won’t stand the test of time.”

#2. Give your Christmas tree a great start

If you buy a cut Christmas tree, try to buy one without a stand.

When you get it home, cut around 2.5 cm (1 inch) off the bottom of the trunk with a pruning saw. This fresh cut will help your Christmas tree to draw the water it needs. Place the tree in a Christmas tree stand with a well of water in the base.

#3. Set your Christmas tree in the right spot

The Royal Horticultural Society emphasizes where you place your real Christmas tree. It says, “When displaying trees indoors, avoid placing them too close to a fire or radiator, as this will cause excessive moisture loss and needle drop.”

#4. Keep your Christmas tree hydrated

Keep checking on the well of water in the base of your Christmas tree.

Good Housekeeping suggests that you “remember to check the water level daily and refill as needed — it should always cover the bottom two inches of the trunk.”

It also emphasizes that you don’t need to add any additives to the water. It says, “Most experts agree that plenty of clean water is all you need to keep a tree fresh.”

#5. How long will your Christmas tree last?

Keep the water levels topped up and you can expect a cut tree to last for up to four weeks inside.

Alternatively, if you are going to use a potted tree, keep the tree outside until the week before Christmas. A potted tree can only last around 12 days inside.

#6. Dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly

Look for a local Christmas tree recycling service – this will offer an environmentally responsible method of disposing of your tree after the holiday season ends.

If you have a home compost, then you could compost the branches yourself. You’ll need to put in a bit of work by stripping the branches off the tree and cutting everything into small pieces first. The smaller the better!

The Royal Horticultural Society suggests that you use the larger pieces of the trunk of your Christmas tree in your garden to create homes for insects.

Further tips for a sustainable Christmas

There are more great articles on our blog:

• Christmas craft projects using natural materials;
• Christmas decorations made of paper;
• And Simple swaps for a sustainable Christmas.