Caring for Your Real Christmas Tree

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a real Christmas tree! Everyone loves a fresh, Canadian Christmas tree at Christmas time but you need to look after it properly so you can enjoy it fully throughout the holidays.

You need water every day to stay happy and healthy and so does your Christmas tree. This is the most important part of having a real tree at Christmas. 

Step 1 

If you buy the perfect tree early, you don’t need to put it up right away! Keep your Christmas tree in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to bring it indoors. Keep it sheltered from sun and wind to help it retain moisture.

Step 2 

Use a Christmas tree stand that holds enough water and steadily holds the tree upright.

Make a flat cut of 1-2 centimetres off the stump just before you bring the tree inside. 

After four hours the cut will be sealed with sap flowing out—which will stop fresh water from rising up the tree.

Step 3

Find the perfect place in your home for your Christmas tree. Make sure there’s enough space around your tree as the branches will drop and fill out once you’ve got it in the tree stand.

Step 4 

Use warm water for the first watering. This helps promote the sap flow and replace the moisture that has been lost to the branches and needles.

Add fresh water once or twice daily. Your live Christmas tree will drink a lot in the first couple of weeks. Check it so it doesn’t dry out! 

Step 5

Keep it away from sources of heat. Turn off the Christmas lights when you go to sleep or go out. Always be safe! 

If you keep your Christmas tree watered consistently it will mean fewer needles on the floor. Your live Christmas tree should stay fresh indoors for three to four weeks, depending on conditions.