How to Make a Real Christmas Tree Last Longer

There’s nothing that beats smell of a real tree in the house at Christmas but keeping it alive can be a challenge. Especially for those of us who are non horticultural at the best of times. So how do you make a real Christmas tree last longer? I’ve done my research and, after years of experimenting here are the best tips I can give you.

Choose a Healthy Tree

We have adopted the tree in the pot approach in the last few years. This is specifically so that after the Christmas season we can plant the tree in the garden and contribute to our garden’s heritage. But whether your tree is in a pot or you have chosen it at a tree farm or the service station down the road, try to pick the one that looks the healthiest.

Make sure the needles are supple and not brittle, indicating a lack of water already. If the tree is already dropping needles, leave it behind. Look for a tree that has maintained its original shape. A droopy tree is a sad tree in my book. Unless it’s meant to be droopy, that is.

To Make a Christmas Tree Last Longer, Water It!

A cut tree or branch is like a big bunch of cut flowers. It loves water. Fresh water. Some pine trees let out a lot of sap, so boiling water is good as it loosens the sap at the base of the tree so the water can get sucked up. In hotter climates a good drink every couple of days is perfect. I water our potted tree every three days. Being indoors is not the same as outside. The tree will need more.

There are water conditioners you can buy online to add nutrients to the water if you think you should. Some people also set up an automatic watering system which I’ve never thought of but with my record of killing houseplants would possibly be a good idea! I’ve never done any of the abobe and our tree lasted six weeks inside last year and is now going strong out in the paddock.

Tip 3 to Make Your Christmas Tree Last Longer

The first thing to do when you get home is to cut the base of the tree. Some people advocate on the diagonal others say straight across. I’ve always done the latter.

If you have purchased from a tree farm, the tree is often not cut until you buy it, which is good. But if you buy a tree that’s already cut then a fresh cut will enable the trunk to suck up water freely again, especially if it got damaged on the way home. Put the tree in a pot as soon as you’ve cut it and give it a good drink. Then top up the water every day or so.

Keep the Tree Away From Heat

Like a houseplant, Christmas trees don’t like extremes of heat. I always put ours away from both the wood heater and the windows. (Even though I’d love to see a view of it when I walk up the drive) Keeping the temperature as even as possible will help your Christmas tree to last longer.

Try not to fiddle with your tree too much after you’ve positioned and decorated it either. I know. This is a hard one. I have a tendency to want to change the position of a bauble or rearrange the lights. If you leave the tree be it will last longer.