How to take care for a real Christmas tree

Proper Christmas tree care not only keeps your tree healthy on the inside, but keeps your tree looking its best on the outside too, bristling with fresh pine needles and ready for decoration. The care your real Christmas tree will need may differ depending on whether you choose a pot grown or cut tree. 

Cut Christmas trees

• If you can, try and buy your cut Christmas tree early on in the festive season, so that it’s spent less time cut from its trunk, tightly packaged and exposed to the elements. Remove any netting and give your tree a thorough shake to help dry out any damp areas between its branches, preventing the growth of mould and fungus.

• Give your tree a big dose of hydration by sawing 2-3cm off the base of the tree and leaving it to stand in a bucket of water for a few hours. Using a saw to remove the base of the trunk allows the tree to drink more, keeping it hydrated. 

• Remove any loose foliage or pine needles before taking your tree indoors and standing in a Christmas tree stand.

• Avoid packing the stand or container with any sand or soil as this can reduce the tree’s water intake. Proceed to water the tree every day with around 500ml of water. 

Everyone knows that Christmas trees are heavy, but did you know that cut Christmas trees can be even heavier than potted Christmas trees due to their water absorption? Prior to being cut from its trunk, a Christmas tree can absorb 1-2 litres of water per day, but after cutting this drops significantly to around 500ml. When cut from its trunk, over half of a Christmas tree’s weight will be water. 

Pot grown Christmas trees 

• Remove any netting and shake thoroughly to help remove any insects, loose foliage and pine needles and dry out areas that are damp. Your tree will benefit from being given time to acclimatise to the change in air temperature in a garage or shed. Similarly, you should avoid positioning the tree near any radiators or other heat sources. 

• Water regularly, keeping the root ball cool and moist.

As the festive season draws to a close and the time comes for taking down your decorations, you will need to decide what you want to do with your real Christmas tree. Choose between recycling your tree and taking care of it to be used again next year - either of these eco-friendly options are a good idea. 

Cut Christmas trees

Cut Christmas trees can be taken to your nearest household waste centre for recycling. Some councils may offer curbside collection. Don’t hesitate to contact your council to see what services are available. 

Pot grown Christmas trees

Repot your tree in a larger pot so it has space to grow and position it in a sheltered area of the garden with plenty of light. Keep your tree well-watered and watch it grow throughout the year, before you know it it’ll be time to bring it back indoors for Christmas next year! 

This guide has covered everything you need to know about caring for a real Christmas tree and making the most of your tree all season long. Whether it’s the warm glow of twinkling Christmas lights or the lush scent of a real fir tree with its clusters of needles, there’s nothing like a real Christmas tree to get you into the spirit of Christmas.

You will need:

• Real Christmas tree

• Panel saw for trimming the trunk

• Watering can

• Pot or Christmas tree stand

Make sure you can add water to the pot or stand that will contain your real Christmas tree without any leaks.