How to care for a Christmas tree?
The Christmas tree is the central element of our end-of-year celebrations. Symbolizing the rebirth of light and warmth during the winter period, the tree embodies the spirit of Christmas in our homes. However, to fully enjoy its splendor and woody scent, it is crucial to take care of this tree throughout the festive period. Whether you have opted for a Nordmann fir , a Spruce fir or even a potted fir , maintaining your Christmas tree is essential to keep it fresh and shiny for several weeks. Here are the detailed steps to ensure your natural Christmas tree has a long life.
1. Refresh the trunk of your Christmas tree
Once you have chosen and brought your real tree home, it is important to start by properly preparing the trunk. The first step is to cut about 2 to 3 centimeters from the bottom of the tree trunk. This cut helps reopen the internal channels of the trunk, making it easier to absorb water.
A freshly cut trunk will absorb water much better than if it is left as is after purchase. If you purchased your tree from a dealer or at a market, you can ask the seller to make this cut for you. Once the trunk is recut, it is essential to place the tree in water as quickly as possible. This prevents the sap from drying and forming a barrier that would prevent water absorption.
2. Choose a good location for your tree
Choosing where to place your Christmas tree is just as important as caring for it. It’s tempting to place your tree near a fireplace or radiator to create a warm, festive atmosphere. However, it’s important to note that heat sources will cause the tree to dry out more quickly. While it may look beautiful in front of a fireplace, excessive heat will shorten the life of your tree. The tree will dry out more quickly, lose its needles, and its overall appearance will suffer.
Ideally, you should place your tree in a cool place away from drafts. This will help it stay fresher for longer. If possible, place your tree near a window where it can receive some natural light without being exposed to direct heat.
3. Water your tree regularly
Watering is one of the most important aspects to ensure the longevity of your real tree . In fact, a tree that does not receive enough water will begin to lose its needles, dry out, and could even pose a danger due to its increased flammability.
It is recommended to check the water level in the base of the tree at least once a day, especially during the first few days after installation. A freshly cut tree can absorb several liters of water during the first 48 hours. So make sure that the water reservoir in your tree stand never runs dry.
A good tip for checking the water level is to use a watering can with a long spout. This will allow you to easily reach the reservoir under the tree without disturbing the decorations. If you can't see the water level, dip your finger in the reservoir and add water until you feel it is full.
4. Maintain a cool and humid environment
In addition to regular watering, it is helpful to spray water on the branches of your tree. This will help maintain a sufficient level of humidity around the tree and slow down the drying process. However, avoid spraying directly on decorations or electric string lights for safety reasons.
It is also advisable to keep the room temperature at a moderate level. An overheated room will accelerate the drying out of the tree, even with regular watering.
5. Adjust the top of your Christmas tree
When setting up your tree, you may notice that the treetop, or top, is slightly too high for your ceiling or not suitable for the ornament you want to place on it (star, angel, etc.). If this happens, you may need to make small adjustments.
If your tree is too big for your space, you can cut off a few lower branches. These cut branches can then be reused to create garlands , centerpieces , or to enhance your interior decoration by placing them on a mantel, table or in vases.
Avoid cutting the top vertical branch, however, as this is usually the stiffest and provides a solid base for the ornament you want to place on top of the tree. This branch is essential for holding the Christmas star or angel securely in place.
6. Prune any troublesome lower branches
Some of the lower branches of your tree may be too long or bulky, touching furniture or walls. If this is the case, it is entirely possible to trim them to give your tree a more elegant and more proportionate silhouette. Be sure to cut the branches at an angle parallel to the ground so that the cut is discreet.
As mentioned earlier, cut branches can be used in many ways in your home decor. Place them in a vase with water to prolong their freshness, or arrange them on a table for a festive centerpiece.
7. How to decorate your Christmas tree while keeping it fresh?
When decorating your tree, make sure that your string lights do not generate too much heat, as this can dry out the tree. LED string lights are a great choice because they use less energy and emit much less heat than traditional string lights.
It is also advisable to decorate the tree once it is already installed and watered, rather than decorating it and then moving it, which could damage the branches and make the tree less stable. Be careful not to overload the branches, especially the thinner ones, in order to maintain visual balance and preserve the integrity of the branches.
8. Recycling the Christmas tree after the holidays
Once the holidays are over, you need to dispose of your tree properly. It is crucial to never burn your Christmas tree or its branches in a fireplace, as this can cause dangerous fires. Fir wood is very resinous and can produce hot splinters that pose a serious fire hazard.
Many municipalities organize tree collections after the holidays. The collected trees are often transformed into compost or shredded to be used as mulch in green spaces. You can also choose to cut your tree into small pieces yourself and place them in a compost if you have this option at home.
9. Can you replant a potted Christmas tree?
If you have opted for a potted tree , you should know that it is possible to replant it in your garden after Christmas, provided that you prepare it properly. While it is indoors, water it regularly and keep it away from heat sources so that it does not suffer from thermal shock.
Once the holidays are over, gradually acclimate your tree to the outdoors by placing it in a cool room or conservatory for a few days before planting it. If you follow these steps, your potted tree will continue to grow and you may even be able to reuse it for Christmas next year.
10. The environmental impact of a natural tree vs. an artificial tree
Many people wonder whether it is more environmentally friendly to buy a real tree or an artificial tree . A real tree is grown specifically for the holidays and helps absorb CO2 as it grows. Plus, after Christmas, it can be recycled or composted, making it a more sustainable option in the short term.
On the other hand, an artificial tree is made from non-renewable materials like plastic and requires energy to produce. However, if you use the same artificial tree for many years (at least 8-10 years), the environmental impact of this option decreases, as you avoid the annual cutting of natural trees.
Conclusion
Caring for your real Christmas tree requires a little attention and preparation, but by following these tips, you can enjoy its beauty and fragrance all season long. Whether you choose a Nordmann Fir , a Spruce Fir , or a potted tree , regular maintenance, proper watering, and a well-chosen location will ensure your tree stays fresh and vibrant all season long. Don't forget to recycle or replant your tree after the holidays to extend its life or help protect the environment.
