How to Keep Your Real Christmas Tree Fresh Throughout the Holiday Season

There's nothing quite like the sight, smell, and feel of a real Christmas tree to bring the holiday spirit to life. But keeping your tree vibrant and fresh throughout the season requires a bit of care and attention. As a trusted Christmas tree farm, we want to share some expert tips to ensure your tree stays beautiful and healthy from the moment you bring it home to the final twinkle of the season.

1. Start With a Fresh Cut

When you first bring your tree home, it’s essential to give it a fresh cut before placing it in water. Use a saw to remove about ½ inch to an inch from the trunk’s base. This exposes fresh wood and ensures that the tree can efficiently absorb water. Without this step, the sap that seals the original cut can block water uptake, causing your tree to dry out prematurely.

At our farm, our team will give it a fresh cut and net the tree for you. When you get home, you can put it right into water.

2. Hydrate Immediately

After the fresh cut, place the tree in water as soon as possible—preferably within 30 minutes. A tree can absorb up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, so be prepared to refill the stand frequently during this critical period.

We recommend using warm to hot water for the first couple hydration's. This will keep the sap from hardening and make sure your tree soaks up lots of water.

3. Choose the Right Stand

A sturdy stand that holds an adequate amount of water is key. Ideally, your tree stand should hold at least 1 quart of water per inch of the tree trunk’s diameter. For example, a tree with a 4-inch trunk needs at least 4 quarts of water daily. Avoid letting the water level drop below the cut line, as this will cause the tree to seal and reduce water absorption.

4. Keep It Cool

Your tree will stay fresher longer if you keep it away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or direct sunlight. Excessive heat dries out the needles and accelerates needle drop. Opt for LED lights, which are cooler and more energy-efficient, to reduce the amount of heat your tree is exposed to.

5. Water, Water, Water

The most important thing you can do for your Christmas tree is to keep it hydrated. Check the water level daily and top it off as needed.

We sell a little bottle of Tree Life Nutrient at our farm, this is great to pore in when you first put your tree in to give it some extra essential nutrients.

Why Proper Care Matters

Your Christmas tree is more than a decoration; it’s the centerpiece of your holiday memories. A little extra care ensures it stays healthy, fragrant, and beautiful for as long as possible. With these simple tips, your real tree will remain a symbol of holiday joy from start to finish.

From our family at the farm to yours, we wish you a merry and memorable holiday season!

Have more questions about tree care? Feel free to reach out to us or stop by our farm—we’re always happy to help! 🎄