Caring for Your Christmas Tree to Keep It Fresh and More!

December is indeed a wonderful time of the year, with the luscious spread of Christmas trees, shining brightly from balconies, living rooms, gardens, etc. radiating joy and happiness. Nothing adds more to the symbolic togetherness of Christmas than a well-decorated tree, considering that everyone comes together to transform the humble conifer into a magnificent piece of art. For those of you who prefer a more natural-looking set-up, you can always go for the original pine, spruce, or fir options. Here are some things to bear in mind though, once you purchase a Christmas tree to maintain its freshness throughout the holiday season.

This video is sourced from YouTube@Better Homes and Gardens

Table of Contents:

• 1. Keeping the Christmas Tree Fresh and Strong!
• 1.1 Searching for A Healthy Christmas Tree
• 1.2 Maintaining the Christmas Tree at Home
• 1.3 Choose the Right Location for Your Christmas Tree
• 1.4 Prolong the Tree’s Freshness with These Decorations Hacks
• 2. More About Christmas Trees
• 2.1 What Kind of Tree Is a Christmas Tree?
• 2.2 How Much Is A Real Christmas Tree?
• 2.3 How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?
• 2.4 When to Take Down Christmas Tree
• 2.5 Can You Replant a Christmas Tree?

1. Keeping the Christmas Tree Fresh and Strong!

A Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday cheer, filling your home with a festive ambiance and a refreshing scent of pine. To keep it looking its best all season long, it’s important to provide the proper care. With these tips, you can ensure your tree remains vibrant, safe, and fresh throughout the holiday celebrations.

1.1 Searching for A Healthy Christmas Tree!

While faux Christmas trees are more practical to handle and easy to maintain, real conifers have a lustrous charm and realistic presence that outshines everything else. However, if you don’t mind putting in that extra hour of work then, your search for the perfect Christmas tree should begin with knowing where to find it. Whip out your to-do list and add types of trees to it so that you can narrow down your preference.

Your best option is to visit a reputable tree farm or retailer early in the season. You can then pick your choice of freshly cut vibrant and long-lasting trees with pre-cut options. It is always better to check your local farm and go as early as post-Thanksgiving. Some crucial inspection areas like flexible or vibrant green needles, firmly attached stems, a moist and sticky trunk base, and a symmetrical shape will save you a lot of effort. Before finalizing shake the tree to check for excessive needle drop, and check to see if it has a strong, fresh scent, as it indicates good health.

Tips on Choosing a Healthy Tree:

• Inspect whether the trunk has a sticky, moist sap at the base, is straight, and can fit securely into your tree stand.

• Wrap the tree in a netting or tarp to protect the branches and needles during transport.

• Secure it properly with a string cord to ensure it does not shift during the journey.

1.2 Maintaining the Christmas Tree at Home

When it comes to caring for and maintaining a Christmas Tree remember is no different from any other live plant. While it does require a little more effort, by following the right procedure you will have a thriving, healthy, and luscious spruce. Once you are done with transporting, immediately set down selecting the right stand and water reservoir. Place the tree in the stand, with the right support, and fill in the water. But, you need to be mindful of how much water and to which level it should be. For the first time make sure that the base is submerged in water at all times. A good measurement of water provided would be 1 quart per inch of the tree trunk’s diameter.

Tips to Maintain the Tree:

• Check the water level regularly as real christmas trees can absorb up to a gallon of water per day in the first week.

• Allowing the water level to drop below the cut end, will result in the tree sealing up. So always maintain the water level of the tree.

• To prevent the trunk from sealing, make a fresh cut about ½ inch, at the base of the trunk before placing it in water.

• Every so often lightly mist the branches, to maintain moisture.

1.3 Choose the Right Location for Your Christmas Tree

Whether you love a themed Christmas or prefer a random assortment of decorations, choosing the right area to place your Christmas tree is crucial for aesthetic, practical, and safety reasons. Maybe, that cool, open spot near your window overlooking the street can make for a magical view. Perhaps your entryway could do with a welcoming tree or that central spot in your garden is the best place for some eye-catching decoration. To maximize space place, it at the corner of the room so that it does not get bumped or knocked over. The staircase is also a picturesque spot, while a Christmas tree in the dining room can add some cheer to the family dinner. Basically, this can ensure that your Christmas Tree lasts longer and stays fresh.

Tips on Christmas Tree Placement:

• Avoid areas with heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, heaters, or candles, as they can dry out the tree quickly and pose a fire hazard.

• If you place it near a window, use drapes in the background to keep away the sunlight that can dry out the needles.

• If you have narrow hallways, or doorways then do not place the tree there as it can be an obstruction.

• Keep the tree away from air vents or drafty areas.

• Choose a spot that accommodates the height and width of your tree.

1.4 Prolong the Tree’s Freshness with These Decorations Hacks

When it comes down to decorating an indoor or outdoor christmas tree, there are several key factors that can ensure that their freshness is retained throughout. We all love adorning our favorite tree of the year with tinsels, ornaments, pictures, etc. but freshly cut Christmas trees need to be handled with proper care. Too many accessories can block airflow to the branches causing them to yellow faster. Here are some tips to prevent any harm to the freshness of your tree.

Tips on Decoration:

• Hang up lightweight ornaments, preferably made from acrylic, and minimize the strain on the branches.

• Natural decorations like pine cones, ribbons, wooden ornaments, or paper garlands are weightless and therefore a better choice.

• Hang the less heat-emitting LED lights.

• To maintain stability, hang the heavy pieces closer to the trunk, on sturdier branches.

• Do not use spray-on artificial snow or glitter, as these can coat the needles, thus reducing moisture retention.

• Avoid using flammable items like candles or crackers etc that can be a safety risk.

• Only decorate the tree once it is properly set up and has absorbed water for several hours. Do not reposition the tree once it is decorated.

2. More About Christmas Trees

While technology has made it possible to create newer and more fascinating versions of Christmas trees some of us still like the old-school version of owning a real Christmas fir. So if you want to do away with the modern christmas tree, and relive some of the rustic charm of a real spruce then you should know where to begin. You need to ask yourself several questions before deciding on the type of Christmas tree you want, irrespective of whether it is 4ft christmas tree or a 6 ft christmas tree. Read on to find out more about Christmas trees before you settle on one.

2.1 What Kind of Tree Is a Christmas Tree?

Commonly known as conifers, the Christmas tree is evergreen meaning it its needle-like leaves are retained all year round while the cones produce tree seeds. While they are mostly found in the wild, they are now farmed all across the United States. Other preferred types are spruces, and pines, each distinctive of their lush green needles, strong branches, and fragrant aroma. While the species vary by region and personal preference, Christmas trees generally come from fir, pine, spruce, or cypress families. Below are the most popular types of Christmas trees:

1. Fir Trees (Abies) – The popular Fir trees, have soft needles, a pleasant fragrance, and excellent needle retention. They hold ornaments well and are often chosen for their symmetrical shape. You have several types of fir trees like:

• Balsam Fir – It is characterized by dark green long-lasting needles with a silvery underside and, a strong fragrance and is ideal for traditional households that love the smell of Christmas.

• Fraser Fir – This fir also has dark green needles with a slight silvery tint on the underside, besides sturdy branches which is perfect for hanging bigger ornaments.

• Noble Fir – Besides having deep green needles with a bluish hue and sturdy branches, the noble fir can retain needles for weeks.

• Douglas Fir – This fir is soft, and has dark green or blue-green needles, that emit a sweet fragrance, from its dense branches, making it ideal if you want a full, lush tree.

2. Pine Trees (Pinus) - Pine trees are characterized by long, flexible needles, which add a unique look to Christmas décor. They often have a pleasant scent and good needle retention. Some of the most popular types are:

• Scotch Pine - It is dark green in color and has stiff needles around 1-3 inches long, which remain longer and strong branches.

• White Pine - This is a soft pine tree with blue-green needles growing up to 5 inches, emitting minimal fragrance. The flexible branches are good for light decorations.

• Virginia Pine – This is characterized by short, twisted green needles, dense foliage, and sturdy branches, which make them ideal for small spaces

3. Spruce Trees - Spruce trees are known for their sharp needles and traditional Christmas tree shape. While they are ideal for colder weather they tend to drop needles faster in warm indoor conditions. Some types of spruce are:

• Blue Spruce – They have famously blueish-silver needles, with a pyramid shape, formed by sturdy branches. The beautiful color is elegant and fits a modern Christmas décor very well.

• Norway Spruce – Widely appreciated this spruce has striking dark green needles with a glossy texture, which lends a classic look. However, it has poorer needle retention and can only be used for shorter display times.

• White Spruce – This spruce has short, stiff, blue-green needles, a mild fragrance, and good branch strength to hold those heavy ornaments.

4. Cypress and Cedar Trees - Cypress and cedar trees are also quite popular in certain regions, especially in the southern United States. They are a slight deviation from regular Christmas trees but make up for that in terms of looks and qualities. Some types are:

• Leyland Cypress – They have a soft, gray-green foliage that is quite distinct and do not shed needles. The non-fragrant, low-allergenic, properties also provide a welcome alternative to allergy-prone households.

• Eastern Red Cedar – This cedar tree has a dark green appearance and feathery foliage with a conical shape. It emits a strong fragrance but has a shorter lifespan indoors, making it ideal for natural, rustic decorations.

2.2 How Much Is A Real Christmas Tree?

While artificial trees are more popular, the demand for real Christmas trees has not declined. With the right planning ahead, you can invest in a good tree and maintain it for the coming seasons. The total cost depends on factors such as location and size. According to the National and American Christmas Tree Association, it can cost anywhere between $50-$300. This shows a 10% rise from the previous year due to drought and inflation.

There are, however, several factors influencing the cost. Firstly, the tree size matters. A cost of a small tree between 3–5 feet ranges from $30–$50. Medium-sized trees (6–8 feet) range from $50–$150 while large trees (9+ feet) are priced at $150–$300 or more.

Additionally, other factors like tree species also influence the costs. For example, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, and Balsam Fir are priced more due to their needle retention, fragrance, and durability. Less popular species like Scotch Pine or Spruce are generally more affordable. The location also factors in, as the trees cost more in urban areas due to transportation and logistics, while rural tree farms may offer better prices if you cut your own tree.

Added to that is the supply and demand which is dependent on the weather, disease, or labor shortages that can increase prices. Not to mention the high demand during the holiday season which drives up costs. If you order online then the convenience adds to the price, with delivery fees typically ranging from $20–$50. Regional prices also vary - a 6-7 foot tree in the Midwest can cost you somewhere between $50–$70, while the same in the Northeast or West Coast will cost you $80–$120.

2.3 How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

The National Christmas Tree Association states, “It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 to 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time for a marketable size is 7 years.” Of course, factors such as tree species, climate, soil quality, and care also influence the growth timeline.

Fast-growing species like the Scotch Pine and Virginia Pine can take 6–8 years to reach 6–7 feet, while slow-growing species like the Noble Fir and Fraser Fir can take 8–12 years to reach the same height. When there is sufficient sunlight, rain, and nutrient-rich soil, they can grow faster especially with proper pruning and maintenance. Christmas trees are pruned annually to maintain their characteristic conical shape, which may slightly slow overall growth.

The stages of growth include seed germination which takes 1–3 years to sprout into small saplings, which further take another 2–4 years. They are then transplanted into fields where they begin their main growth phase, which lasts for 6–12 years. The Trees grow approximately 1 foot per year under optimal conditions, following which they are harvested when they reach 6–8 feet tall.

2.4 When to Take Down Christmas Tree?

Ideally, it depends on your tradition, and personal preferences but you should consider the type of tree you have. Religious people take theirs down by January 5th or 6th, which marks the Twelfth Night. In Christian tradition, this date celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Epiphany) and signifies the conclusion of the festive season.

The auspicious date is the Epiphany which honors the visit of the Three Wise Men to the Christ child. It aligns with religious practices and marks the final day of Christmas celebrations. Others prefer to start the New Year afresh so they take it down by December 31st.

The practical reasons include the condition of the tree such as tree dryness, which sees the tree becoming dry and brittle. This can pose a fire hazard and should be taken down earlier, usually by early January.

Many people choose a date that aligns with their schedule, such as the first weekend after New Year's Day, for convenience. Others see the winding down of the holiday festivities and prefer to remove decorations to signal a return to routine and clear space in their homes.

2.5 Can You Replant a Christmas Tree?

Depending on the type of tree, yes, you can consider replanting. If your tree had its root system intact or was sold in a pot, you can simply replant it outdoors. Remember, cut trees without roots cannot be replanted. Certain species like Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and Fir trees adapt better to transplantation than others. The best time to replant is after the holiday season when the ground isn’t frozen, typically in late winter to early spring.

You can take some steps to replant a Christmas tree such as preparing the tree during the holidays by limiting indoor time to 7–10 days to prevent it from becoming acclimated to warm indoor temperatures.

Ensure the root ball stays moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting it dry out. Select a spot in your yard with well-draining soil, sufficient sunlight, and enough space for the tree to grow to maturity. Prepare the ground by digging a hole twice as wide and at the same depth as the root ball. Keep the soil loose and mix in some compost to improve fertility.

Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets. Avoid burying the trunk too deeply. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. You must regularly water, prune and monitor the tree for signs of stress.

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Overall, while you have a ton of options out there, nothing beats the authenticity, and warmth of a real Christmas tree. You can choose from a wide variety of fir, spruce, and pine trees depending on the area and size of your room or setup. The point is that with the right care and maintenance, your Christmas tree can last much longer, expanding on the happy time that is reflective of the holiday season.