If your Christmas tree never lasts until the holiday, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it does. Whether your tree starts to look dead because it hasn’t been watered, is too old, or is in too warm of a location, you can make changes so that your tree lasts longer.
Here are TOP REASONS YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE LOOKS DEAD and what you can do about it.
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1. YOU BOUGHT IT TOO EARLY
Fresh Christmas trees start dying the minute they are cut and are not meant to last many weeks or months in a stand. We’ve found it’s best to pick your tree just a few weeks before Christmas.
2. YOU DIDN’T BUY IT FRESH
If your Christmas tree starts to drop needles and it’s only been a few days, you probably didn’t purchase a fresh tree. Trees cut from a tree farm are going to be your “freshest” bet because you know when the tree was cut…the very day you picked it out and purchased it. If going to a tree farm is not an option, then keep these tips in mind when purchasing a pre-cut tree:
- Make sure the tree looks green. If it’s already looking brown, keep looking.
- Look for dropped needles. If you notice dropped needles under the tree you are considering, it might be that the needles are from that tree, which is a sign of an older tree. Shake the tree and see if a lot of needles drop. If they do, keep going.
- Bend the needles. If the needles bend, your tree is in good shape. If they break, the tree is dehydrated.
3. YOU DIDN’T WATER IT
You may be surprised to learn that in the first few days after bringing your tree home, you might have to replace around 1 gallon of water daily in the reservoir. Watering your tree is not a one-time deal. You need to check your water reservoir in your tree stand daily to make sure that the water is above the trunk cut line. Obviously, if the water is below the line your tree cannot get the water, but additionally, if the water drops below the line, the sap will form a protective barrier over the cut and then the trunk cannot soak up water even if you refill it. If this happens, you’ll have to make a new cut with a hack saw or pruning saw if you want the water to penetrate the trunk.
4. IT’S PLACED BY A HEAT SOURCE
Nothing dries out a Christmas tree faster than heat (besides dehydration). Pay attention to the heat sources in your home when placing your tree. Try to keep it away from fireplaces, heating vents, fans, and direct sunlight. Some experts even recommend lowering the temperature in the room your tree is in to help prolong its life.
5. YOUR DECORATIVE LIGHTS ARE NOT LED
Using old Christmas lights not only poses a fire hazard, but they can also unnecessarily warm up the tree, drying it out. Use newer LED lights that are more energy-efficient and run cooler than other Christmas tree lights. Turn off the lights when you are not at home and at night. You might consider using a timer to automatically turn your lights on and off if leaving the lights on is an issue.
Do you have any great tips for keeping your Christmas tree fresh longer?
Here are more festive ideas…
13 Best Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
10 DIY Wall Christmas Tree Ideas
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