Choosing & caring for a real Christmas tree
A fresh tree that is watered every day can stay green and fragrant for four to five weeks. These six steps make the difference.
Step by step
- Measure first. Measure ceiling height and floor space. Allow about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) below the ceiling for the stand and topper.
- Test freshness. Run a branch through your hand: needles should stay on. Fir and pine needles should bend, not snap. Lightly bounce the trunk on the ground; only a few green needles should fall.
- Make a fresh cut. Just before placing it in the stand, cut a straight disc about 1/4 to 1 inch (0.5–2.5 cm) off the trunk base. This reopens the sap-sealed wood so the tree can drink.
- Use the right stand. Choose a stand that holds at least 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Do not shave the bark to force a trunk into a small stand.
- Water every day. A fresh tree can drink a gallon (about 4 liters) or more on the first day. Never let the water drop below the trunk base. Plain tap water works best.
- Place it safely. Keep the tree at least 3 feet (1 m) from fireplaces, radiators, heat vents, candles, and space heaters.
Common myths
- “Add sugar, aspirin, or bleach to the water.”
- Research by university extension services has found that additives do not meaningfully help. Plain water, kept topped up, is what matters.
- “Drill holes in the trunk to help it drink.”
- This does not improve water uptake. A clean, straight fresh cut is enough.
- “Warm water is better.”
- Water temperature has little effect. Keeping the reservoir full has a large effect.
Fire safety
Dry trees burn extremely fast. According to the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments respond to more than a hundred home fires started by Christmas trees each year, and these fires are unusually likely to be deadly.
- Use lights certified by a recognized testing lab, and use indoor lights indoors.
- Replace light strings with worn or broken cords and loose bulb connections.
- Turn tree lights off when leaving home or going to bed.
- Never use lit candles on a tree.
- Remove the tree when it becomes dry or starts dropping lots of needles.
Pets and children
Secure tall trees to a wall or ceiling hook so they can’t tip. Cover the stand so pets don’t drink the water, hang breakable ornaments up high, and keep tinsel away from cats, which may swallow it.