Christmas Tree Longevity: How Long Can It Last?

A real Christmas tree can last anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on the type of tree, the temperature in your home, and how well you care for it. Fir and cypress trees tend to last longer, up to five weeks, while pine and spruce trees may only last two to three weeks. To make your tree last longer, it's important to choose a healthy tree and care for it properly by keeping it well-watered, protecting it from heat sources, and using LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs.

Choosing a healthy tree

The first step to ensuring your Christmas tree lasts as long as possible is to choose a healthy tree. Here are some tips to help you select the best tree:

• Avoid trees with dry, brittle needles. Give the tree a gentle shake, and if lots of needles fall off, it's not a good choice.
• Look for a tree with soft and supple needles. Except for spruces, which typically have sharp and stiff needles, the needles on a fresh tree should not be brittle.
• Choose a tree with fewer brown needles.
• Check that the tree is drinking water before you decorate it.
• Opt for a heavier fresh-cut tree, as this indicates it has retained lots of water and will likely last longer.
• If you're buying a pre-cut tree, ask how long it has been there. If it's been longer than a week, consider waiting for the next shipment to arrive, as the longer a cut tree sits, the shorter time it will last in your home.
• The shortest time between cutting and display is best, so consider cutting down your own tree at a local tree farm.
• If you cut down your own tree, do so after a couple of hard frosts when the tree has entered its dormancy stage.

The importance of water

Water is essential to keeping a real Christmas tree alive and fresh throughout the holiday season. Here are some key reasons why water is vital:

Hydration for the Tree

Water is the primary source of hydration for a Christmas tree, just like any other plant. Without water, the tree will quickly dry out, causing the needles to turn brown and brittle and the branches to become weak. By providing adequate water, you can keep the tree hydrated, ensuring its needles stay green and pliable, and the branches remain strong enough to hold decorations.

Absorption and Sap Prevention

When a Christmas tree is cut, sap forms around the base of the trunk, sealing the cut and preventing water absorption. By regularly watering the tree and keeping the trunk submerged, you can prevent sap buildup and ensure the tree can absorb the water it needs. This is crucial for maintaining the tree's health and longevity.

Temperature Regulation

Water plays a vital role in temperature regulation for a Christmas tree. Keeping the tree stand filled with water helps maintain a cool temperature around the trunk, slowing down the drying process. This is especially important if the tree is placed in a warm room or near a heat source. Lowering the room temperature and keeping the tree hydrated can extend its lifespan.

Fire Prevention

A well-watered Christmas tree is less likely to catch fire. Dry Christmas trees pose a significant fire hazard, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that Christmas trees can burn down a living room in less than 30 seconds. By keeping the tree hydrated, you reduce the risk of fire and create a safer environment for your family and home during the holidays.

Longevity and Freshness

Water is key to extending the lifespan of a real Christmas tree. With proper hydration, a Christmas tree can last around four to five weeks, and sometimes even longer. Watering the tree regularly ensures it stays fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season, from late November until after the festivities on December 25th.

Tree species

The lifespan of a real Christmas tree depends on the species of the tree, how well it is cared for, and the conditions it is kept in.

Fir and cypress trees are known to last for four to five weeks, whereas pine and spruce trees tend to last only two to three weeks. The Nordmann fir, or Caucasian fir, is a popular choice in Germany, lasting a month with no issues. The species is known for its soft, non-sharp needles, but it does not have a notable Christmas tree scent. The Noble fir, also known as the blue fir or red fir, is another option that can last a month. This species has a stronger Christmas tree scent but its needles can be a little sharp.

Fraser firs, Concolor firs, Douglas firs, and Scotch pines are also species that are known to last longer.

Temperature and placement

Keep the Tree Away from Heat Sources:

Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight, skylights, furnaces, electrical devices, and even candles. Live trees can dry out quickly when exposed to excessive warmth, causing them to shed their needles in an attempt to conserve moisture.

Maintain a Cool Temperature:

Keep the room temperature low, ideally no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the room temperature slows down the drying process, reducing water consumption each day.

Protect from Extreme Temperatures:

If you're storing a live tree or planning to transport it, keep it in an unheated and sheltered area, like a garage or porch, protected from wind, freezing temperatures, and direct sunlight. Avoid exposing the tree to repetitive freezing and thawing cycles.

Storage Before Setup:

If you buy your tree several days before setting it up, store it outdoors or in a cool area. Protecting the tree from wind and sun will help it retain moisture.

Placement in the Room:

Determine where in your home you will display the tree. This will help you choose a tree with the appropriate height and ensure that all sides are suitable for display.

By following these temperature and placement guidelines, you can create the optimal environment for your real Christmas tree to thrive and maintain its freshness throughout the holiday season.

Additives in the water

A well-maintained real Christmas tree can last for around four to five weeks. To keep your tree alive for longer, you can add certain additives to the water.

Sugar and Vinegar

Dennis Sons of Tennessee Nursery suggests adding "½ cup of granulated sugar to 5 gallons of water with ½ cup of vinegar" to the water. The sugar nourishes the tree and preserves its sap, while the vinegar acts as a pH stabilizer, protecting the tree from rot and bacteria.

Pennies

As copper acts as an acid enhancer, Sons also recommends adding pennies to the water to reduce the growth of fungus and mould.

Bleach, Aspirin, and Sugar

Some people add bleach, powdered bleach, or crushed aspirin to the water to keep their trees fresh. However, Don Tapio, owner of the Christmas Valley Tree Farm, says that "research has been done by Christmas tree specialists across the country, and they have found that the best thing is just plain water".

Commercial Additives

There are also commercial water flavouring products available, such as H2wOw Water Enhancer Drops, which are made from organic and natural fruit extracts.

Frequently asked questions