How to keep your Christmas tree looking better for longer

Christmas trees are a great tradition during the holidays, but they can be a real plain to clean up after the holidays. There are a few things you can do to take care of your Christmas tree and help it to stay healthier for longer. In this guide, we'll go over some simple tips to keep your tree from looking better for longer.

Written by Roelof Jan Elsinga

Posted on: 05-12-2020

Last updated on: 19-12-2024

Everyone that gets real "live" Christmas trees for Christmas knows that they will drop their needles quickly and by the time it's late December, your Christmas tree is probably dry and the floor is covered in needles. So, is there a way to keep your Christmas tree healthy during this time and not have needles all over your house? As it turns out, yes there is!

In this guide, we'll go over a few different ways to keep your Christmas tree healthier for longer and maybe even give it a second chance after the holidays. There are many things that help will help your tree stay healthy for longer, but first we need to separate the two different ways you can have a Christmas tree in your house:

1. A tree that has been cut down
2. A tree that still has its root system

The general care for these two Christmas trees is very similar, but the preparation is slightly different. In this guide, we're going to go over a few different aspects of taking care of your Christmas tree:

If you haven't bought a Christmas tree yet, it's worth looking into a tree that still has it's roots. You can bring these into a tree farm after the holidays and get it back a year later. You can also choose to plant it in your own garden if you'd like. This makes the holiday season a little more sustainable.

Let's get into the guide and help you get back to celebrating the holiday season!

How do you choose a healthy tree?

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Let's face it: picking the right Christmas tree is part of the fun! Choosing a healthy tree is all about paying attention to a few details that will make sure your it stays nice and fresh during the holidays.

The first thing to look at are the needles. They should be bright green, flexible, and firm to the touch. When you gently pull on a branch, very few needles should fall off. A good trick is to give the tree a light shake. If a few needles drop, that's normal, but if a large number fall, it's a sign the tree might be drying out already.

After the needles, have a look at the trunk. It should have a moist, freshly cut end if you're choosing to have a Christmas tree without its root system. This tells you that the tree can still to absorb water, which is very important if you want it to look good for a while. Look for a straight, sturdy trunk without cracks or peeling. This type of trunk will stand sturdy in your living room, but can also still absorb moisture.

If you'd like a tree with its roots still intact, start by looking for trees sold in containers, which will usually have their roots intact and ready for planting after the holidays. When you're looking for your tree, check the container or burlap wrapping for any signs of mold or excessive moisture, which could mean it's suffering from root rot. Ideally, the soil should feel slightly damp but not soggy.

The varieties of Christmas trees that last the longest

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Not all Christmas trees are the same. There are many different varieties of trees, usually Fir or Spruce that are a good choice for a tree. Some last a little longer than others, like the Fraser Fir. It's a great choice, because it's great at keeping its needles and gives off a nice smell. It has stronger branches, so it can hold heavier ornaments without sagging.

If you're looking for something a little different, have a look at the Noble Fir, which has really nice blue-green color, bushy branches. Like the Fraser fir, it also smells nice and keeps its needles for weeks.

If you're after a more traditional tree, the Norway Spruce might be a good choice for you, but it usually drops needles more quickly than the firs.

Lastly, the Balsam Fir is another popular tree. Its needles are a lot softer than the other firs, but it does still have the same nice smell. Because it's a fir, it's needles and fresh look can last for weeks.

Bringing your Christmas tree indoors

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Bringing your Christmas tree indoors differs for the two different situations we went over earlier. When you have a Christmas tree that still has its root system, you can move on to the next section, your tree doesn't need extra help when bringing it indoors. However, if you have have a tree where the trunk has been cut off from the root system, you'll need to go through an extra step to ensure that you tree stays healthier for longer.

First of all, make sure you have a tree stand you can submerge in water or that can hold water by itself. Now, when you put the tree in the tree stand, make sure to add warm water in the tree stand. Warm water, not boiling water. This warm water is easier for the tree to absorb and prevents to tree sap from forming a hard crust on the tree stump.

By submerging your tree trunk in water, you allow the tree to keep its ability to absorb moisture, even without roots. If a crust forms on the trunk, it blocks the ability to absorb moisture. After the first time of giving your tree warm water to absorb, you won't have to make it warm any more and you can go back to giving it cold water. The warm water is only needed once as a quick boost of moisture.

Secondly, wait as long as possible to bring your tree indoors. Your Christmas tree loves the cold weather and if you can keep it outside, out of drafts of wind, it has a much better chance of looking great for a longer period of time.

Placement of your Christmas tree

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Placement of your Christmas tree is one of the most important aspects to keeping your tree healthy during the holidays. Christmas trees (spruce trees, pine trees, and fir trees) are trees that keep their "leaves" all year round, through the warm and the freezing cold. They also require moisture to grow and grow best in cold environments. This is why you won't see these trees growing naturally around the equator, but you will see them near the north and south poles. This is the environment these trees thrive in!

Now, when you want to take care of a Christmas tree in your house, the environment is quite hostile to the tree. It's warm and dry in your house during the winter, which is the exact opposite of what the tree needs to thrive. For you to take care of a Christmas tree successfully, you'll need to compromise with the tree a little bit. The biggest compromise you need to make is where to place your Christmas tree. As every house is different, we'll go over a list of general placement tips.

Avoid placing your Christmas tree in places that:

• are close to a heat source, like: a fireplace, heating vents, central heating systems, the blazing sun
• are very dry

Instead, try to find a place that's:

• Bright, but not too warm
• Near a source of humidity, like a humidifier or running water

If you don't have a source of humidity for you tree, simply submerging the trunk in water also helps to prevent drying out the tree. To help your Christmas tree deal with the warm indoor environment, it's not a bad idea to turn down the central heating system a little bit. This might not be an option for you, but it will definitely help you tree. Otherwise, it's usually a little colder near windows, so that could be a good spot.

Maintaining humidity

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Let's talk about humidity and why it's a total game-changer for keeping your Christmas tree healthy and vibrant. A well-hydrated environment not only helps your tree but also keeps the air in your home feeling fresh and cozy, just the way we love it.

Christmas trees thrive in humid conditions, which can prevent dry needles from falling and keep the branches lush and full. When your home's air is too dry, your tree can become stressed, resulting in more needle drop than you'd like to see during your holiday festivities. Maintaining a comfortable humidity level helps preserve your gorgeous tree and keeps your space feeling inviting.

How can you increase the humidity around your tree?

A simple way to boost humidity around your tree is by placing a humidifier nearby, especially helpful in those dry winter months! You can also fill a shallow tray with water and place it beneath the tree. As it evaporates, it will add moisture to the air. Check out my guide on more ways to increase humidity here: 10 ways to raise the humidity in your house

How can you improve the air circulation?

Keeping the air fresh around your Christmas tree is not only good for the tree's health but also improves the overall ambiance of your home during the holiday season. You can keep the air nice and fresh for your tree by opening some windows for a few minutes at a time.

This helps to circulate the air, by replacing stale air with some fresh air from outside. This doesn't just help the room feel fresh, but is also great to prevent pets and fungal diseases on your tree and any houseplants you've got in the room. If you're looking for more information on this, I recommend checking out my guide on air circulation: Why Air Circulation is Important for the Health of Your Houseplants.

Watering your Christmas tree

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You've got your Christmas tree with or without roots in your house and in a great spot, perfect! Now the real challenge begins: How do you keep the Christmas tree looking great? One way is to help mimic the natural environment of your tree: keep it in a colder place and make sure the soil (if you have a root system) is moist. If your tree doesn't have a root system, make sure it's always submerged in plain water. There are all kinds of things you can mix in with your water, like sugar or fertilizer, but it's best to stick to plain water.

If you have a root system on your tree, you can water your tree like you would any houseplant, water it when the top 5 cm (2 inches) is dry. Your tree likes moisture, be sure to give it water as soon as the soil is dry for the best results. If your tree doesn't have a root system, make sure the trunk is always submerged and don't allow the water from getting to low. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, the tree may seal itself off, making it harder to absorb water. This will prevent your tree from drying out and dropping needles all over your living room.

What type of water is best?

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As we've learned in the previous section, plain old tap water is usually the best type of water for your tree. Most trees, like Frasier Firs or Noble Firs, do well with regular tap water, as it contains the necessary nutrients for hydration. There's no need for fancy additives like sugar or preservatives. In fact, these can sometimes do more harm than good. All you have to think about is that the water you provide is clean and fresh, changing it out every few days if it becomes cloudy.

Before setting your tree up, it's a good idea to make a fresh cut on the bottom of the trunk, about an inch or so, to help it absorb water more effectively. This step is only needed for a rootless tree, and it opens up the sap channels that may have sealed up after it was cut. After that, placing the tree in a sturdy stand filled with water ensures it has the best chance to stay healthy and fresh throughout the holiday season. Remember to keep an eye on the water level daily, as a thirsty tree can drink up to a gallon in the first few days!

Signs of a healthy tree

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When you take care of your tree, I can imagine you'd like to know if you're doing a good job or not! I know I'd like to know! So let's have a look the signs of a healthy tree first, and in the next section, we'll look at some signs that you might have to change something.

Many of these signs are very similar to the tests you might have performed when choosing your tree in the first place:

• Vibrant green needles
• The cut end is moist
• The tree smells amazing
• The branches are strong
• Very minimal needle loss

If your tree still has its roots, you will also want to look for moist soil. The soil in the container should feel slightly damp but not soggy. A healthy root system needs enough moisture, so check for any signs of root rot or excess water by looking for brown, mushy roots. If the soil is dry or cracked, you'll have to water your tree quickly, because it doesn't like to dry out.

What signs show your tree is not doing well?

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Now that we know what a healthy tree looks like, let's have a look at a few signs that could tell you that you need to change something. All of these signs have to do with the tree being too dry, so if you do see any of these signs, it's a good idea to check if the tree is still absorbing moisture through the trunk or its roots.

These are the signs of trouble:

• Browning needles
• A lot of needles are dropping
• Wilting branches
• Little to no smell

These are all signs that your tree might not be getting enough water, or it's suffering from root rot and its rotting roots can't absorb any more water. To help your tree, there are a few steps you can take, let's look at those!

Steps to take if the tree starts to drop needles

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If your Christmas tree starts to drop a lot of needles, it's important to act quickly. Here are some good steps to take:

1. Check the water level

The first thing to do is to check that your tree still has enough water. A freshly cut Christmas tree can absorb a large amount of water, especially in the first few days. Check the water level in the stand daily and refill it as needed. If the water has become cloudy or dirty, replace it with fresh water to prevent bacteria growth. If your tree still has its roots, remember to check the top 5 cm (2 inches) of soil and only water if the soil is dry.

2. Check the tree's location

Make sure your tree is positioned away from heat sources, such as radiators, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the tree to dry out quickly, leading to needle drop. Moving the tree to a cooler spot (if possible) can help to keep it fresh.

3. Increase humidity

Dry indoor air in the winter can lead to needle loss, so consider raising humidity levels around your tree. You can do this by placing a humidifier nearby or using a shallow tray filled with water placed under the tree; as the water evaporates, it will add moisture to the air.

4. Check for pests

Check for any signs of pests or diseases that could be affecting the tree. If you notice any sticky residues, discoloration, or small insects, it's time to address the issue. Natural insecticidal soap can help tackle common pests if needed. We'll explore this more in the next section!

5. Make a fresh cut

If the tree continues to drop needles despite you replacing the water, consider making a fresh cut at the base of the trunk (about an inch or so) to help it absorb water more effectively. This step opens up sealed sap channels that may have formed, allowing for better hydration. This is only possible if you have a tree that has been cut down without its root system!

Common pests and problems

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Luckily, pests on your Christmas tree are very uncommon, but you could've gotten very unlucky with your tree and it has been infected with a pest. Let's identify common pests and problems and learn what to do to help fix the problem.

Aphids

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These tiny, soft-bodied insects often cluster on the undersides of needles and can cause the tree to appear unhealthy by sucking sap. To manage aphids, you can spray them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.

Spider mites

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These minuscule pests thrive in dry conditions and cause needle discoloration. You might notice fine webbing if this pests has made it to your tree. To fight off spider mites, keep the humidity high around your tree and rinse the needles with water to dislodge mites. Insecticidal soap can also be effective for the larger infestations.

Scale insects

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Scale insects look like small, brown or white bumps on the bark or needles. They can weaken the tree by feeding on sap. To manage them, you can gently scrape them off with your fingernail or a soft brush. For larger infestations, using a horticultural oil on them can help to suffocate the insects.

Eastern White Pine Weevil

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This pest primarily affects pine varieties and can damage the tips of branches. If you notice wilting at the tops of branches, check for weevils. To manage them, you can prune affected areas and treat the tree with insecticides.

Mealybugs

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These pests look like small, white, cottony masses on branches and needles. They can damage the tree by sucking sap. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or use insecticidal soap spray.

Keeping pests away from your Christmas tree

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Getting pests on your Christmas tree is the last thing you want to think about during the holiday season! Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to help prevent these pests:

• Check the tree before buying it
• Water your tree properly to keep it healthy
• Increase the humidity around your tree
• Clean up fallen needles regularly
• Give your tree some space, don't place your houseplant right next to it
• Use essential oils as natural pest repellents

Even if you follow all of these ways to prevent pests, I still highly recommend to check your tree a few times to make sure it's still doing well.

Lighting tips

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Ah, the twinkling lights! A beautifully lit tree can turn your living space into a winter wonderland, but you want to do it correctly: without burning your tree out! Let's look a little closer at Christmas lights.

What type of lights are best for the tree (LED vs. incandescent)?

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When you decorate your Christmas tree, picking between LED and incandescent lights can change how your tree looks and how safe it is. Many people like LED lights because they use much less electricity: up to 80% less! This means they are better for the environment and save money on electricity bills.

LED lights also come in different styles, like warm white and colorful, so you can still create a cozy feeling like with the old-fashioned bulbs. They last a really long time, up to 25,000 hours, so you won't have to change them as often. Also, they stay cooler, which makes them safer, especially if you have kids or pets around.

On the other hand, some people love incandescent lights because they give off a warm and soft glow that feels like Christmas. They usually cost less to buy, which can be good if you're on a budget. But in the long run, LED lights can save you more money because they last longer and use less energy.

So both types of lights have good things about them, but I recommend you go with LED lights They help make your tree bright and beautiful while being safe and saving money!

How do you place lights without hurting the tree?

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When putting lights on your Christmas tree, it's important to do it in a way that keeps the branches safe. Start at the bottom and work your way up, hiding the wires as you go. Instead of just hanging lights on the tips of the branches, weave them in and out. This makes the tree look fuller and helps protect the branches.

Use soft hooks or clips to hold the lights in place without hurting the limbs. Don't use too many lights, find a good balance so the tree looks nice and stays healthy. Also, make sure the lights aren't in the way of where you want to hang ornaments. This way, your tree will look great while staying safe and healthy!

Tips for reducing energy use with your Christmas lights

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Okay, full disclosure, I include this section, because reducing my energy usage is another one of my interests (besides plants). If this is not for you, you can skip this part.

If you reduce your energy usage with your Christmas lights, it's not just a good good way to save some money, but it's also good for the environment. I know it helps me sleep a little better at night.

The easiest tip is to use LED lights. They use so much less energy (80% less) than incandescent lighting that it should be your first step to saving some money on your electric bill. The next step would be to use timers. You can get the smart timers so you can change them from your phone, or the old-school timers to only turn the lights on for a few hours in the evening.

By using one or both of these methods, you'll really notice the change in your electric bill, without compromising on your amazing holiday experience.

Post-holiday care

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After the holidays, you'll have to clean up your tree at some point. If your tree doesn't have a root system any more, you'll probably discard of your tree, because there isn't a lot you can do with it any more.

However, if your tree still has its roots, you have many options! Christmas doesn't have to end when Christmas ends. LHere are some tips and ideas for reusing your living Christmas tree:

Plant it in your garden

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After the holidays, you can think about planting your tree in your yard or garden. Choose a spot that provides enough space for its eventual growth, as many Christmas tree varieties can become quite large.

Create a container garden

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If planting it directly in the ground isn't an option, you can also keep it in a large container. This allows you to move the tree around if you need to. This way, you might even be able to use the same tree for next Christmas! Isn't that convenient?! If you keep your tree in a container, make sure it as a drainage hole, otherwise the rain could start to drown your tree after a while.

Use it as an outdoor decoration

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One of my favorite ways to keep enjoying the tree is to use it as an outdoor decoration. You can string lights on it for year-round enjoyment or decorate it with bird-friendly ornaments or feeders to attract wildlife.

Home for small animals

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And even if you can't plant your tree right away, you can still place it in your backyard and let it become a shelter for small animals and birds during the winter months.

Conclusion

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Christmas trees are a great tradition during the holidays, but they can be a real pain to clean up after the holidays. There are a few things you can do to take care of your Christmas tree and help it to stay healthier for longer. You might even be able to reuse the same tree after a year if you have a tree with a root system. The environment for your tree is a colder, more humid environment. You can achieve this by turning down the central heating system and keeping your tree away from heat sources like a fireplace or heating vents. Humidifiers or submerging your tree trunk in water also help to keep the humidity up around your plants.

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.