Real Christmas Tree Care: How to Pick and Keep It Fresh

A fresh tree stays green longer when you choose it carefully, cut a new edge on the trunk, and keep the stand full of water. Here is how to pick the right tree and keep it healthy until Christmas is over.

Before you go

1. Measure your ceiling and subtract about a foot for the stand and the tree topper.
2. Measure the space on the floor. A tree looks smaller in a lot than in a living room.
3. Decide how full you like your trees. Some types have dense branches, others are airy and show off ornaments.
4. Bring gloves, a tarp or old blanket, rope or straps, and a trunk saw if you are cutting your own.

How to pick a fresh tree

• Look at the color. A healthy tree is deep green, not yellow or brown.
• Check the needles. Gently pull a branch through your closed hand. A few loose needles are normal. A handful is not.
• Bend a needle. On most types, fresh needles bend and do not snap.
• Lift and tap. Raise the tree a few inches and drop the trunk on the ground. Needles should stay on the branches.
• Smell it. A fresh tree smells strongly of evergreen.
• Check the trunk. It should be straight and sticky with sap, with no signs of rot.

If you can, ask when the lot got its trees. A tree that arrived last week is better than one that has been standing out for a month.

Getting it home

1. Have the lot shake the tree and wrap it in netting so it fits through doors.
2. Lay it on the roof or in the truck bed with the trunk facing the front of the car. Wind is rough on the needles.
3. Secure it with straps or rope at two points.
4. Drive at a modest speed.

Set it up

1. Cut the trunk. Saw off about half an inch to an inch from the bottom. The tree seals the cut with sap within a few hours, which blocks water. A fresh cut opens it up again. If the lot already cut it, you only need to do this if it has been more than a few hours.
2. Get water in quickly. Put the tree in the stand and fill it with plain water within an hour.
3. Pick the spot. Keep it at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, radiators, and vents. Avoid direct sun.
4. Check the stand. It should hold at least a quart of water for every inch of trunk diameter.
5. Let the branches drop. Give a tree a few hours before decorating, so the branches can settle.

When you are ready to dress it, our guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree walks you through lights and ornaments.

Daily care

• Check water every day. Top it up so the cut end never dries out. If it does, it may seal over again.
• Use plain water. Skip sugar, bleach, aspirin, and other home recipes. Plain water works best.
• Turn off the lights when you leave the house or go to bed. LED lights stay cooler and are a good choice.
• Mist is not needed. The water goes in through the trunk, not the needles.
• Keep the room cool when you can. A cooler room slows drying.

Fire and safety tips

• Never use candles on or near the tree.
• Check light strings for frayed wires or cracked sockets before you use them.
• Do not overload outlets.
• Keep the path to exits clear.
• If the needles are brittle and falling heavily, the tree is dry. Take it down.

Keeping pets and kids safe

Some pets chew on branches or drink the tree water. Cover the stand with a skirt or use a lid. Keep fragile or small ornaments higher up, and watch tinsel around cats.

When Christmas is over

1. Remove ornaments and lights.
2. Check whether your town runs a tree pickup or drop-off program. Many turn trees into mulch.
3. Never burn a tree in a fireplace or stove. Dry evergreens burn too hot and can spark.
4. If you have a yard, you can lay the tree out for birds, or chop branches for garden cover.

Quick Checklist

• Ceiling and floor space measured
• Fresh tree picked (green, flexible needles, strong scent)
• Trunk cut a half inch to an inch before setup
• Tree in water within an hour
• Stand away from heat sources
• Water checked daily
• Lights off when leaving or sleeping
• Disposal plan ready