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Tree Care
How to Care for Your Christmas Tree
Fresh-cut trees last longer than most people think. Follow these steps and your tree will stay green from delivery day to Twelfth Night.
Four Things That Matter
The short version
01
Trim the trunk
Saw 3cm off the base before putting the tree in the stand. This opens the wood so the tree can drink.
02
Use the right stand
Your stand needs a water reservoir. Do not use sand or soil. Both block the pores and stop the tree drinking.
03
Water every day
A 6 foot tree drinks 2 to 3 pints of water a day. Check the stand every morning and top it up.
04
Keep away from heat
Radiators, underfloor heating and open fires dry out a tree fast. Pick the coolest spot in the room.
Cut Tree Care
Trim the trunk before you put it in the stand
When a tree is cut, the base seals over with sap within a few hours. That seal stops the tree from drinking. Before you put your tree in the stand, saw about 3cm off the base of the trunk. This opens up the wood and lets the tree absorb water. Cut straight across, not at an angle.
If you cannot saw the trunk yourself, we offer a stand-fitting service. The charge is £10 inside London and £25 outside.
Use the right stand
Your stand needs a water reservoir. Most stands made for Christmas trees have one. Do not plant your tree in sand or soil. Both block the pores and stop the tree drinking.
Make sure the stand fits the trunk. Do not whittle down the sides to make it fit. The outer layers of wood are the most important for water uptake. If your stand is the right size, the tree will drink steadily from the first day.
Water every day
A fresh Christmas tree drinks a lot. A 6 foot tree can take in 2 to 3 pints of water a day. Check the stand every morning and top it up.
If the water level drops overnight, the tree is drinking it. Good. If it stays the same, check the tree is not too warm.
Never let the base of the trunk dry out. Once the base dries, the sap seals again and the tree stops drinking. At that point, a fresh cut is the only fix.
Keep away from heat sources
Heat is the biggest threat to a Christmas tree indoors. Radiators, underfloor heating, open fires and direct sunlight all dry out the needles fast.
Position your tree in the coolest part of the room. Keep it away from windows that get direct afternoon sun. If you have underfloor heating, put a mat under the stand.
LED lights produce less heat than older bulb types. That small difference helps the tree stay fresh throughout the festive season.
Know Your Tree
Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce?
Low needle drop
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir is bred for needle retention. It holds its needles well even in a warm house. It does not have much scent. Most people who do not want needles on the floor choose a Nordmann. With daily water it will stay looking sharp well past Christmas.
Shop Nordmann Fir →
Classic shape & scent
Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce is the traditional British Christmas tree. It has a strong pine scent and a classic christmas tree shape. It does shed loose needles over time, especially in a warm house. With daily water and a cool spot it will still last for several weeks.
Shop Norway Spruce →
Potted Tree Care
How to look after a potted Christmas tree
A potted Christmas tree can last through Christmas and go on living afterwards. The care is different from a cut tree. You are keeping a living plant going, not slowing down how fast a cut stem dries.
Watering
Check the soil every few days. Press your finger into the top inch of compost. This is the fingertip test. If it feels dry, water it. If it is still moist, leave it.
Water until it runs through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Empty the saucer afterwards. A potted tree should never sit in water. That causes root rot, which damages the roots and can kill the tree.
Position
Potted trees want cool and bright, not warm. Keep the tree away from radiators and underfloor heating. A cool spot near a window works well. Avoid direct sunlight, which dries the needles and soil fast.
If you can, bring the tree in gradually. Leave it on the porch or in an unheated room for a day or two first. Do the same when you move it back outside after the holiday season. A sudden change stresses the tree.
Which potted variety?
Nordmann Fir
Soft needles, low needle loss. The most popular pot grown christmas tree for indoor use.
Blue Spruce
Sharp needles, distinctive silvery-blue colour. Wants a cool spot to stay healthy indoors.
Fraser Fir
Narrow, upright shape. Good for smaller spaces. Strong structure holds decorations well.
After the festive season
Move the potted tree back to a sheltered spot in the garden once Christmas is over. Keep it out of full sun and away from frost. In summer, pot it on into a bigger pot with fresh compost and add slow release fertiliser. Or plant it in the ground if you have the space. A container grown tree, well cared for, can last for years.
Freshness
How long does a Christmas tree last?
With proper care, a fresh-cut real christmas tree will stay healthy for four to six weeks. Most people put their tree up in the first or second week of December and take it down by Twelfth Night (5th January). That is around four weeks. A tree that arrives fresh, gets a good drink every day and stays out of direct heat will last that long without trouble.
Trees that dry out fast are usually in a very warm room, not being watered, or were not fresh when they arrived. Our trees are cut to order. They are as fresh as a real tree can be.
Common Questions
Christmas tree care tips
How do I keep my Christmas tree fresh longer?
Trim the base before you put the tree in the stand. Water it every day and keep it away from radiators. Those three steps make more difference than anything else.
Should I put sugar or anything in the water?
No. Plain tap water is all your tree needs. Additives and sugar do not help and can encourage bacteria in the stand. Avoid putting anything else in the water.
How long should I leave the tree before decorating?
If you bring your tree indoors from the cold, give it an hour or two to adjust before you decorate. This lets the branches settle and open out properly.
How do I maintain a Christmas tree indoors?
Water it daily, keep it away from heat sources and check that the base of the trunk is always submerged. Those three habits are all you need.
Will my Nordmann Fir drop needles?
Nordmann Fir trees hold their needles well. With daily water and a cool position, needle drop is low. Norway Spruce trees do shed needles over time. That is normal for the variety.
When should I take my tree down?
By Twelfth Night, 5th January. Most trees are starting to dry out by then in any case.
What do I do with the tree after Christmas?
We collect trees in January. Book a collection and we will take yours away and chip it for recycling. The chippings go to parks and gardens as mulch.
Still need help?
Call us on 0203 519 9997. We pick up the phone.
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