How Do I Look After A Real Christmas Tree

So, you’ve done it. You’ve ventured into the frosty wilds (or at least the brightly lit tree lot) and emerged victorious. You’ve wrestled a real Christmas tree into your home. Bravo! Now comes the fun part. Or… is it?

You stare at your magnificent green behemoth. It’s beautiful, yes. It smells like Christmas magic. But also, it smells a little like… well, outside. And it’s shedding. Already. Don't worry, this is totally normal.

First things first: water. This is not optional. Think of your tree as a very thirsty guest. A very, very large, leafy guest who never stops asking for refills. It needs water. Lots of it.

Get yourself a sturdy tree stand. One that can hold a gallon of water, at least. Trust me on this. Don't skimp. A wobbly stand is an invitation for disaster, and nobody wants a pine-related catastrophe on December 24th.

As soon as you get the tree home, cut off about an inch from the bottom of the trunk. This opens up the woody bits that might have sealed themselves shut. Think of it as a fresh drink for your tree. It’s like giving it a little pep talk before the big decorating show.

Now, stick it in that stand. Make sure it’s straight. This is your chance to be a drill sergeant for pine. Get it perfectly upright. Nobody likes a lopsided tree, it’s the sartorial equivalent of wearing mismatched socks.

Fill that stand with water. Now. Don’t wait. Don’t get distracted by the overwhelming urge to immediately hang baubles. Water first, then sparkle.

Check the water level daily. Seriously. Daily. Sometimes twice daily if it’s a particularly dry or warm house. Trees drink like college students on a Saturday night.

If the water level drops below the bottom of the trunk, the tree will seal itself up again. Then it’s game over for easy water absorption. You’ll have a sad, crispy tree by New Year’s. And nobody wants a sad, crispy tree.

Real Christmas Tree

So, keep it topped up. Think of it as a sacred duty. A Christmas covenant. You provide the water, the tree provides the festive cheer. It’s a win-win.

What kind of water? Tap water is fine. Nothing fancy needed. Your tree isn’t a discerning critic of H2O. It just wants to drink.

Some people swear by adding things to the water. Sugar, aspirin, even soda. I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest this is probably unnecessary. And potentially sticky. Let's keep it simple. Just water. Pure, unadulterated, tree-slaking water.

Location, location, location. Where you put your tree matters. Keep it away from heat sources. This means no radiators, no fireplaces, and definitely no direct sunlight if you can help it. Heat is the enemy of a fresh tree.

Think of your tree as a delicate flower. A very prickly, very large flower. It will dry out much faster if it's too hot. So, find a cool, shady spot. Your living room might not be a forest clearing, but we can aim for a reasonable approximation.

And drafts? Those are also not ideal. Avoid placing your tree directly in the path of a drafty door or window. It’s like forcing your tree to stand in a hurricane. Not conducive to longevity.

Cleaning up needles. Oh, the needles. They will find their way into everything. Your carpets, your slippers, your dog’s fur. It’s a conspiracy of coniferous debris.

Real Christmas Tree

Invest in a good broom and dustpan. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a handheld vacuum. Keep it nearby for quick clean-ups. A little bit of sweeping every day can prevent a giant needle explosion later.

Some people use those novelty tree skirts. You know, the ones that look like faux snow or a cozy blanket. They’re cute. They can also trap needles. And sometimes, they get waterlogged. Not the most practical invention, if you ask me.

Consider a simple, washable tree skirt. Or even just a large old towel. Something you can easily shake out or throw in the wash. Function over form, sometimes. Especially when dealing with pine shrapnel.

Don't let your tree dry out before decorating. It's tempting to get all the lights and ornaments on there as quickly as possible. But if it's already thirsty, the stress of being adorned might just push it over the edge.

Water it, let it settle for a day or two if you can. Then, let the decorating commence! But remember, even after decorating, water is still key.

What about misting? Some people like to mist their trees with water. It’s a nice idea. It can make the needles feel fresher. And it’s a bit of a spa treatment for your tree.

Is a Real Christmas Tree Even Worth It?

However, be mindful of your lights. If you’re using older, non-LED lights, excessive moisture could be a slight electrical hazard. And nobody wants a sparkly, but electrocuted, tree.

So, a gentle misting might be okay. But don’t go overboard. The primary hydration should come from the roots, not the leaves. Which, of course, are needles.

Consider your tree’s personality. Some trees are naturally more prone to shedding than others. It’s not their fault. It’s just how they’re built. Don’t blame the tree.

If your tree is a bit of a drama queen, shedding excessively, maybe move it to a cooler spot. Or just accept that you'll be doing more sweeping. It's all part of the charm, right?

The "unpopular opinion" alert: I don't think you need to buy any fancy tree food. Those little packets of chemicals? They're probably a waste of money. Your tree just wants water.

Think about it. When was the last time you saw a pine tree in the wild being fed a special concoction? Never. It thrives on rain and good soil. In your house, good soil is a water-filled stand.

So, save your money. Buy yourself an extra box of chocolates instead. Or a new set of fairy lights. Something you’ll actually enjoy.

The Real Christmas Tree | Lifepoint Church, Delaware, OH

When it’s time to say goodbye, don’t just shove it in the bin. Many communities have Christmas tree recycling programs. They turn them into mulch or even fish habitats. A noble end for a noble tree.

And that’s pretty much it. Water, cool temperatures, and a bit of a sweep. Your real Christmas tree will stay looking fabulous for the entire holiday season.

It's a bit of work, sure. But the smell? The feel? It's unbeatable. So embrace the needles, the daily watering, and the occasional twig. It’s all part of the magic of a real Christmas tree. And you, my friend, are its dedicated caretaker.

Enjoy the festive glow. And try not to step on too many pine needles in your bare feet. Ouch!

Remember, the goal is to have a beautiful tree that lasts. A little attention goes a long way. It's like dating a new plant. You just have to show it you care.

And when you’re finally packing away the decorations, give your tree a little nod of appreciation. It worked hard to bring you all that holiday spirit. It deserves a little thank you.

So, go forth and be the best real Christmas tree parent you can be. Your tree is counting on you!