Evergreen Indoors: How Long Can Christmas Trees Last?

The length of time a Christmas tree lasts depends on several factors, including the type of tree, how it's transported, and how well it's cared for. With proper care, a Christmas tree can last anywhere from four to eight weeks. Fir and cypress trees tend to keep their needles for four to five weeks, while pine and spruce trees may only last two to three weeks. Taking steps such as keeping the tree well-watered, protecting it from heat sources, and choosing a healthy tree initially can help extend its lifespan.

Choosing a healthy tree

The key to making your Christmas tree last is selecting a healthy tree. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Ask when the tree was cut down

Christmas trees are typically cut from mid-November to mid-December, so don't assume that all the trees you find were freshly cut. If you're buying a pre-cut tree, choose one that was cut recently (within the week, if possible) so that it will look fresh through the season.

Opt for fir or cypress species over spruce or pine

Fir and cypress trees tend to keep most of their needles for 4 to 5 weeks, whereas pine and spruce trees are more likely to lose a high volume of needles within 2 to 3 weeks.

Inspect the tree's needles before taking it home

Give each prospective tree a good shake and observe the volume and colour of the needles that fall off. A fresh tree will only shed a few brown needles, so if you see a lot of brown needles, the tree is probably not fresh. Also, test the pliability of the needles. Fresh needles will be flexible and easy to bend, whereas dehydrated needles will be brittle and break easily.

Ask to have the tree baled before transporting it

If you're transporting the tree yourself, ask to have it put through a tree baler, which will wrap it in protective netting or twine and condense it for transport without damaging the branches.

Choose a type of tree that will last longer

Some Christmas tree species naturally last longer than others. Look for Canaan fir, Concolor fir, Fraser fir or white pine.

Test for freshness

If you're choosing a pre-cut tree, gently pull on a branch to see if green needles come off. If more than a couple fall off, the tree is likely not fresh and won't absorb water easily.

Watering the tree

Watering your Christmas tree is the single most important factor in keeping it fresh and healthy. Here are some tips to ensure your tree gets the water it needs:

Use a Proper Tree Stand

Use a proper Christmas tree stand to accommodate the tree and serve as a water reservoir. The stand should fit the tree properly and hold enough water. As a general rule, your stand should have a reservoir that can hold at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. If the tree trunk has a diameter of fewer than four inches, the stand should still be able to hold up to one gallon of water, as a healthy cut tree can drink this much per day initially.

Check Water Levels Daily

Monitor the water level in the reservoir daily and add more water as needed to keep the bottom two inches of the trunk submerged. Dennis Sons of Tennessee Nursery recommends adding 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of vinegar to five gallons of water. Sugar nourishes the tree and preserves its sap, while vinegar acts as a pH stabilizer and protects the tree stem from rot and bacteria.

Place the Tree in Water as Soon as Possible

If your tree was cut more than six to eight hours ago, a layer of resin will have formed over the cells of the wood at the base of the trunk, sealing it and impeding water uptake. When you get home, if you're not putting up the tree right away, place it in a bucket of water.

Trim the Trunk

Before placing the tree in the stand, trim the trunk to improve water absorption. Make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk, removing about 1/2 inch to one inch. This will get rid of any dried-over resin that might block the tree from absorbing water. Avoid cutting the trunk at an angle or into a V-shape, as this will make it harder to keep the tree upright in the stand.

Don't Add Anything to the Water

While some people recommend adding preservatives or additives to the water, most experts agree that plain tap water is all that's needed to keep your tree fresh. So, resist the temptation to add anything extra to the water.

Take Down the Tree Before it Dries Out

If your tree dries out, it can become a fire hazard. Take it down before this happens, and remember to always unplug the lights and turn off any decorations before removing the tree to avoid any accidents.

Using a fitting stand

Choose the Right Stand Size

It is important to select a stand that fits the circumference of your Christmas tree. If the stand is too small, you may be tempted to trim the tree trunk to make it fit. However, this is not advisable as the outer layers of the trunk are crucial for water absorption. Instead, opt for a bigger stand that can accommodate the tree without any modifications.

Water Reservoir Capacity

A proper Christmas tree stand should have a built-in reservoir to hold water. The general rule is to have at least one quart of water per inch of the tree trunk's diameter. For smaller trees with a trunk diameter of fewer than four inches, the stand should still be able to hold at least one gallon of water, as a healthy tree can consume this much water in a day.

Check Water Levels Daily

It is essential to monitor the water levels in the stand daily. Refill the reservoir with plain tap water whenever needed. Maintaining adequate water levels is crucial to keeping your tree fresh and healthy.

Prevent Whittle Down

Resist the temptation to whittle down the trunk to fit a stand that is too small. The outer layers of the trunk are designed for effective water absorption. Removing them will hinder the tree's ability to absorb water and may lead to premature drying.

Stability and Support

Some stands may have a unique design where the tank sits on the upper edges of the stand, leaving the center unsupported. While this may seem concerning, it is important to note that the bottom of the tank may not be entirely flat, and the center will naturally float even without direct support. However, if you prefer additional support, you can reinforce the stand by adding extra bars or blocks of wood to bear the weight more evenly.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety when choosing and setting up your Christmas tree stand. Ensure the stand is sturdy and stable to prevent accidental toppling, especially if you have pets or young children in the house.

By following these tips and choosing a fitting stand, you can help prolong the lifespan of your Christmas tree, ensuring it remains vibrant and healthy throughout the holiday season.

Avoiding heat sources

Choose the Right Location

Select an area in your home that is away from direct heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, stoves, air ducts, vents, and radiators. Keep your tree at a distance from appliances that generate heat, such as televisions, computers, and candles. Even positioning your tree in a south-facing window can accelerate its decline.

Maintain a Cool Environment

Keep the room temperature low. Ideally, maintain a temperature no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature will slow down the drying process and reduce water consumption by the tree.

Opt for LED Lights

Instead of using standard incandescent bulbs, choose miniature LED tree lights. LED lights generate less heat, reducing the drying effect on the tree. They also use less energy, making them a more energy-efficient option. Remember to turn off the lights when leaving the room to further slow down the drying process.

Use Smaller Lights

While decorating your tree, consider using smaller lights. Larger incandescent bulbs produce more heat, which can accelerate needle loss. By using smaller lights, you can minimize the heat impact on your tree.

Avoid Skylights and Direct Sunlight

Avoid placing your tree directly under skylights or in direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight and heat from skylights can contribute to drying out the tree prematurely.

Be Mindful of Electrical Devices

Electrical devices such as stereos or gaming consoles can generate heat and impact the tree's freshness. Keep the tree away from these devices to prevent premature drying.

By following these tips and avoiding heat sources, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your Christmas tree, keeping it vibrant and healthy throughout the holiday season.

Trimming the trunk

Before placing your tree in a stand, it is crucial to trim the trunk. If your tree was cut more than 6 to 8 hours ago, a layer of resin will have formed over the cells of the wood at the base, sealing it and preventing water uptake. Therefore, it is recommended to cut a thin slice off the bottom of the trunk to expose fresh wood, which will allow the tree to absorb water more effectively. This step is crucial because a well-watered tree will stay fresh and healthy for longer.

When trimming the trunk, it is important to cut straight across, avoiding any angled or V-shaped cuts. This is because an angled cut will require more water depth to cover the cut surface, and you want to ensure the tree can absorb as much water as possible.

If you are buying a pre-cut tree, ask the seller to trim the trunk before you take it home. This will ensure that the cut is fresh and the tree can start absorbing water immediately. If you are cutting your own tree, make sure to trim the trunk as soon as possible after cutting it down.

In addition to trimming the trunk, it is also important to choose a stand that fits your tree properly and can hold enough water. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. If the tree trunk is less than 4 inches in diameter, the stand should still be able to hold up to 1 gallon of water, as a healthy tree can drink that much in a day.

By following these tips and properly trimming the trunk, you can help your Christmas tree stay hydrated, healthy, and vibrant throughout the holiday season.

Frequently asked questions