Tips for the Festive Season

A beautifully maintained Christmas tree is the centrepiece of holiday celebrations. Whether you’ve chosen a real cut tree or a potted one, proper care ensures it looks fresh and vibrant throughout December. Here’s how to care for your Christmas tree to keep it at its best and ensure a sustainable approach to the festive season.

1. Choose the Right Tree

When selecting a tree, look for vibrant green needles and a fresh scent. Trees grown locally in Britain, such as those certified by “Grown in Britain,” have a lower carbon footprint and are better adapted to local conditions. Potted trees are also an excellent option—they can live for years if replanted after the holiday season. For more information on this, check out this well-written blog by Forestry England.

Rows of fresh-cut Christmas trees lined up neatly, showcasing their lush, green needles.

2. Prepare Your Tree for Display

Before bringing a cut tree indoors, saw 1-2 inches off the trunk to allow it to absorb water better. This step is crucial as it reopens the pores, ensuring your tree remains hydrated. If you have a potted tree, place it in a sturdy pot and water it before bringing it into the house

3. Keep Your Tree Hydrated

For cut trees, water is the key to longevity. Place your tree in a sturdy stand that can hold at least a litre of water and top it up daily. A Christmas tree can drink up to a litre of water a day in the first week. Avoid adding sugary substances to the water, as they don’t benefit the tree and can encourage bacterial growth

Potted trees require slightly different care. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid placing them near radiators or fireplaces, as excessive heat can dry them out.

A freshly cut Christmas tree lies on a snowy roadside, ready to be taken in and decorated.

4. Positioning Matters

Keep your tree away from direct heat sources like radiators, fires, or sunny windows to prevent it from drying out prematurely. Cooler room temperatures help preserve the tree’s freshness longer.

5. Minimise Decorations

While it’s tempting to load up your tree with ornaments, heavy decorations can stress the branches and cause them to droop. Opt for lightweight decorations and avoid using hot string lights, as they can dry out the needles. LED lights are a safer and more tree-friendly alternative.

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your Christmas tree stays lush and beautiful throughout the festive season while also being kind to the environment. For a greener holiday, remember to reuse decorations, avoid single-use plastics, and consider sustainable tree options. A well-cared-for tree brings joy to your home and contributes positively to the environment!

A Christmas tree with minimal decorations to prevent damage, allowing the tree to thrive and maintain its freshness throughout the holiday season.

6. Add Natural Fertilisers for Potted Trees

If you’ve opted for a potted tree, giving it a small dose of natural fertiliser can help it thrive. Choose a fertiliser specifically designed for evergreens and follow the instructions carefully. This will keep the roots healthy while the tree is indoors.

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes, we believe in making the festive season as eco-friendly as possible. Our sustainability pledge ensures we not only care for the environment in our projects but also help others make greener choices.

We encourage families to consider locally grown or certified sustainable Christmas trees, which reduce environmental impact and support British growers. By following these care tips, you can prolong the life of your tree while celebrating the holidays responsibly.

For more insights into sustainable practices and expert tips, follow us on social media or visit our blog. Let’s make every season brighter—and greener!

6 Tips on How to Care for Your Christmas Tree