7 Essential Tips to Buy and Care for a Real Christmas Tree

1. Pick a Good Tree

One of the most important tips for real Christmas trees that you should keep in mind is picking a good tree in the first place. Always choose a healthy tree with flexible, green needles that stay firmly attached to the branches. If you have the option, purchase your tree directly from a local tree farm where you can choose a specimen while it is still growing in the ground. A freshly cut Christmas tree will last significantly longer, hold its needles better, and allow your family to enjoy its natural beauty through New Year's Day.

When evaluating trees at the farm or nursery, keep an eye out for these quick quality indicators:

2. Display Your Tree in Water

Once you have purchased your tree, make sure that you place it in a traditional reservoir-type stand. This is by far the most effective way to maintain its freshness and minimize needle loss problems throughout the holiday season. Before putting the tree in the stand, make a fresh cut by removing a ½-inch thick disk of wood straight across the base of the trunk. This opens up the tree's vascular system, allowing it to absorb water much more efficiently. Make sure you maintain a steady watering routine to keep the base continuously submerged.

3. Keep Your Tree Away from Major Sources of Heat

If you want your Christmas tree to last long, make sure you place it well away from major sources of heat like radiators, wood stoves, fireplaces, heat vents, and direct sunlight. Heat sources accelerate moisture evaporation from the needles, causing the tree to dry out prematurely and creating a potential fire hazard. Lowering your room temperature by just a few degrees will slow down the drying process and help your tree consume water at a steady, manageable rate.

4. Water is Critical

Don’t forget to water your tree regularly because a freshly cut tree can consume up to a gallon of water within the first 24 hours in your home. Fill the tree stand with clean water immediately after setup and check the water level twice a day. Never let the water level dip below the base of the trunk; if the cut end dries out, resin will seal the pores and prevent future water intake. For detailed guidance on proper tree hydration, you can consult resources provided by the National Christmas Tree Association.

5. Check Its Freshness

Before buying a tree, preferably from a reputable nursery or farm, take a moment to test its freshness thoroughly. You can easily do this by grasping a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pulling your hand towards you. The needles should stay intact on the branch rather than showering off. Additionally, if you notice a heavy carpet of fallen needles on the ground around the tree display, simply go elsewhere to find a fresher tree. Performing a quick check ensures you won't bring home a tree that is already dehydrated.

6. Store It Properly

If you have bought your live Christmas tree early but plan to decorate it a bit later, make sure that you store it properly in the interim. Keep the tree in a sheltered, unheated space such as a garage, shed, or covered porch to protect it from harsh wind and direct sun exposure. Place the cut trunk into a bucket full of fresh water, refilling it each day so it stays fully hydrated until you are ready to bring it indoors for setup.

7. Decorate the Tree

For a lot of us, decorating is the most enjoyable part of the holiday season, so make sure you do it safely and properly so you don’t turn your tree into a fire hazard. Take time to inspect your holiday lights before hanging them, and refer to expert care guides from The Old Farmer's Almanac for seasonal setup tips.

Follow these essential holiday safety steps before lighting up your tree:

If you buy a real Christmas tree, try to locate a recycling program in your area when the holiday season ends. Many local municipalities turn spent trees into mulch for public parks and garden beds. Do you know any other helpful tips to buy and take care of real Christmas trees? Please share your knowledge with us in the comments section below!