5 Easy Tips to Care for Your Live Christmas Tree
It's a challenge in our tropical climate, but it's possible to make that freshly cut Christmas tree last the season
Many of us grew up with plastic Christmas trees. Nothing wrong with that, there’s just something different about a freshly cut, pine-smelling tree (shedding needles included). If you have ever wanted a live Christmas tree for the holiday season but have always been afraid it won’t last, worry no more. We talked to Far East Flora, whose popular varieties are Noble and Nordmann firs, and who let us in on five tree-care basics. Follow these tips to ensure you have a fragrant tree that lasts the whole Christmas season (three to four weeks or more).
2. Keep your tree away from heat sources
Your Christmas tree should be kept indoors, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or appliances that can heat up considerably when in use.
Your Christmas tree should be kept indoors, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or appliances that can heat up considerably when in use.
3. Decorate mindfully
Use low-heat producing fairy lights. Miniature lights help in delaying the drying of live trees.
Tuck In! Traditional Festive Feasts From Around the World
Use low-heat producing fairy lights. Miniature lights help in delaying the drying of live trees.
Tuck In! Traditional Festive Feasts From Around the World
4. Stay safe
Check fairy lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring and replace if necessary. Always turn off the lights on your Christmas tree before leaving the house or going to bed.
These points not only help keep the tree fresh by preventing unnecessary heat, but are also important to not overload electric circuits, preventing fire.
Check fairy lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring and replace if necessary. Always turn off the lights on your Christmas tree before leaving the house or going to bed.
These points not only help keep the tree fresh by preventing unnecessary heat, but are also important to not overload electric circuits, preventing fire.
Image by Far East Flora
5. Mist regularly
Misting your tree with cold water in the mornings will help keep it fresh and fragrant. Just make sure the light decorations you choose are waterproof. Otherwise, you will need to remove them before misting.
5. Mist regularly
Misting your tree with cold water in the mornings will help keep it fresh and fragrant. Just make sure the light decorations you choose are waterproof. Otherwise, you will need to remove them before misting.
Can’t be bothered with a real tree, but not so keen on a plastic one? Try a homemade version made of branches and twigs instead…
Browse more Christmas decor for inspiration
Browse more Christmas decor for inspiration
… or a festive potted plant that you can use to decorate your Christmas table setting or another part of the home.
Tell us
Do you prefer a freshly cut Christmas tree, a plastic one or another type entirely? Join the discussion in the Comments below, like this story and save the images.
More
Keen to decorate your home in Scandi-Christmas stye this year? Get an interior designer’s top tips here
Tell us
Do you prefer a freshly cut Christmas tree, a plastic one or another type entirely? Join the discussion in the Comments below, like this story and save the images.
More
Keen to decorate your home in Scandi-Christmas stye this year? Get an interior designer’s top tips here
1. Water correctly
Once home, place your Christmas tree in water immediately. Check the stand daily to ensure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree trunk. And add a good watering to your Christmas Eve checklist.
Tip: You can add mosquito-repellent granules to water to prevent mosquitos from breeding.