Preparing your home for a live Christmas tree creates a level of excitement matched only by the arrival of the jolly old man himself. Live trees add elegance and beauty to any holiday setting. A little bit of preparation and attention are all they require.
Before you bring the tree home, choose the best place in the room for your tree -- after all, it's your holiday centerpiece!
It is important not to place your tree near the fireplace or wood-burning stove, as this could create a fire hazard. At the least, it will cause your tree to dry out much faster. The same is true for heat vents. If you must place your tree near a vent, you may want to close the vent first. Be sure that there is an electrical outlet close by.
Try to locate the tree out of high-traffic areas.
Clear any furniture that might be in the way when you bring the tree indoors.
Measure the space -- width and depth. One of the easiest mistakes to make is choosing a tree that is too large. If you don't know your ceiling height, this would be a good time to find out!
You may want to protect your floors before setting up the tree. Some people put down a piece of heavy plastic, then a thick throw rug or towel to catch any drips that may occur when filling the tree stand reservoir.
Be sure you have the right stand. The new tree stands are vastly improved over the ones you may remember from your childhood, with heavy bolts to hold the tree in place and large water reservoirs. Some are sold in sizes based on tree height.
Now you're ready for the best part -- bringing the tree in, adding decorations and turning on the magic.
Additional tips:
Some people like to purchase the tree a few days before actually bringing it into the house. They make a new cut at the bottom of the trunk, then place the tree in a large bucket filled with water. This allows the tree to absorb a lot of water fast.
Water elves make it easier to add water. They are decorative, so they won't detract from the beauty of the tree. Most places that sell live trees sell these.
If you are accustomed to using a lot of heavy decorations on an artificial tree, you may want to test the strength of live tree branches first. While most are quite sturdy, some, such as white pines, may not support really heavy ornaments.
Finally, enjoy the fragrance and beauty of your tree. A fresh tree, properly sited and watered, should be safe for several weeks indoors. When needles begin to drop, sadly, it's time for the tree to go.
Proper Christmas tree storage is key if you want to keep your fake Christmas tree longer than a year. |
You can make a Christmas tree last longer than a month, if you know which tree to choose and how to set it up. |
Part time and small time hobby farmers might want to consider starting a Christmas tree farm. Advice to operate a Christmas tree business. |
With the right amount of Christmas tree water, you can keep your tree looking green and beautiful. |
A fresh Christmas tree can be so much nicer if you know a little more about the types of Christmas trees and which one works for you. |
Testing a live Christmas tree for freshness on the lot and caring for it properly when you get it home will lengthen the life of the tree. |
Check out our Christmas tree guide with articles on types of Christmas trees, selecting and caring for your live Christmas trees, following proper Christmas tree care, making Christmas tree water and more. |
With the right Christmas tree care, you can keep your tree from drying out before December 25. |
Here is advice on how to keep your live Christmas trees looking fresh for as long as possible. |
