Evergreen Cheer: How Long Can Indoor Christmas Trees Survive?

A live Christmas tree can last indoors for around four to five weeks, or even eight weeks if cared for properly. The length of time depends on several factors, including the type of tree, how fresh it is, and how it is cared for. Some species, such as fir and cypress, tend to last longer than others, like pine and spruce. Keeping the tree well-watered and away from heat sources is crucial to extending its lifespan.

Water your tree daily

Water is the most important factor in keeping your Christmas tree fresh and healthy. A well-watered tree can last around four to five weeks before drying out. If you want your tree to last through the holiday season, you must water it daily.

The amount of water your tree needs depends on the diameter of its trunk. As a general rule, your tree stand should be able to hold at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. If your tree has a trunk diameter of fewer than four inches, its stand should be able to hold up to one gallon of water. A healthy cut tree can drink up to a gallon of water per day initially.

Check the water levels in your tree stand every day and refill it with plain tap water as needed. You don't need to add any preservatives or other additives to the water—in fact, some experts say that sugar water can be harmful to trees, as it can clog their pores and prevent them from drinking properly.

If you're not planning to put your tree up right away, place it in a bucket of water and store it in an unheated garage or another area protected from wind and freezing temperatures. When you're ready to bring it inside, make a fresh one-inch cut at the bottom of the trunk to help the tree absorb water.

Once your tree is inside, place it in its stand and make sure the bottom two inches of the trunk are submerged in water. Keep the stand filled with water to prevent resin from forming and ensure your tree stays properly hydrated.

Keep it cool

Keeping your Christmas tree cool is essential to extending its lifespan. Place your tree away from direct heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, stoves, air ducts, vents, and radiators. Even a television, computer, or candles can accelerate the decline of a fresh-cut live Christmas tree.

The ideal room temperature for a live Christmas tree is no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

If you use lights on your tree, opt for miniature LED lights instead of large incandescent bulbs. LED lights generate less heat, reducing drying and helping your tree stay fresh longer. They also use less energy.

When leaving the room, always turn off the lights. This is important for fire safety, as a dry Christmas tree can pose a real danger to your home. Additionally, warm, stagnant water in the tree stand can grow mold.

To further slow the drying process, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the room. This will help keep your tree fresh for a longer period.

Choose a healthy tree

Choosing a healthy tree is the key to ensuring your Christmas tree goes the distance. Here are some tips to help you select a healthy tree that will stay fresh throughout the holiday season:

Inspect the Needles

Before selecting your tree, carefully inspect the needles. A healthy tree will have fewer brown needles. Give the tree a good shake and observe the volume and colour of the needles that fall off. If a lot of green needles fall off, it is a tell-tale sign that the tree is not fresh and has already dried out. Only a few brown needles should come off if the tree is fresh. Also, test the pliability of the needles. Fresh tree needles should feel soft and supple rather than brittle. Run a few branches through your hands, and they should feel pliable and not fall off.

Ask When the Tree Was Cut

Christmas trees are typically cut from mid-November to mid-December. If you are buying a pre-cut tree, ask when it was cut down. Choose a tree that was cut recently, preferably within the week, to ensure it stays fresh throughout the season. A tree that is still attached to its roots will last much longer than one that has been cut for days or weeks.

Opt for Fir or Cypress Species

When it comes to longevity, fir and cypress species tend to keep their needles for four to five weeks. On the other hand, pine and spruce trees are more likely to lose a high volume of needles within two to three weeks. So, if you want your tree to last longer, opt for a fir or cypress tree.

Check for Needle Shedding

Another way to test the health of a tree is to gently tug on a branch. If the tree is healthy, only a few needles should come off. This test will help you ensure your tree doesn't shed its needles prematurely or bow under the weight of your ornaments.

Select a Tree from a Shady Location

When choosing your tree, opt for one that is displayed in a shady location rather than a sunny area. Trees in shady spots are less likely to have dried out and will retain their moisture better.

Transport and Storage

Once you've selected your tree, take care when transporting it home. Cover the tree to prevent moisture loss during transport, especially if it's on top of a vehicle or in an open-bed truck. If the tree is going to be outside for more than an hour, give it a fresh cut before bringing it inside to help with water absorption.

By following these tips, you can choose a healthy Christmas tree that will last throughout the holiday season. Remember to combine these practices with proper care, such as keeping the tree well-watered and away from heat sources, to maximise its lifespan.

Buy a fitting stand

To keep your Christmas tree fresh and healthy, it is important to ensure it receives an ample amount of water. This means you will need a proper Christmas tree stand that can accommodate the tree and serve as a water reservoir. The stand should be able to hold at least 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. If the tree trunk has a diameter of fewer than 4 inches, opt for a stand that can hold up to 1 gallon of water, as a healthy cut tree can drink this much per day initially.

The Krinner Tree Genie XXL, for example, can hold 2.5 gallons of water and accommodate trees up to 12 feet tall. When choosing a stand, make sure it fits the tree properly and can hold enough water to keep your tree happy and healthy.

Additionally, it is important to check the water level daily and refill as needed. By prioritising the hydration of your Christmas tree, you can ensure it maintains its vibrant appearance throughout the holiday season.

Be cautious of heat sources

Heat sources can cause your Christmas tree to dry out prematurely and even become a fire hazard. To prevent this, keep your tree away from direct heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, stoves, air ducts, vents, and radiators. Even placing your tree near a television, computer, or in a south-facing window can accelerate its decline.

The ideal room temperature for a live Christmas tree is no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

When choosing a location for your tree, also avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near skylights, as excessive warmth will cause the tree to shed its needles to conserve moisture.

Additionally, be mindful of electrical devices such as candles and lights, which can also generate heat. LED Christmas lights generate less heat than larger incandescent bulbs and can help to reduce drying. Always turn off the lights when leaving the room to further slow the drying process.

By being cautious of heat sources and taking the necessary precautions, you can help extend the lifespan of your live Christmas tree and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Frequently asked questions