How to Keep A Christmas Tree Alive {Quick Tips that Actually Work}

Ah…nothing says Christmas like the smell of a fresh pine tree in your living room. But we’ve all been there—watching as our beloved Christmas tree slowly turns into a dry, needle-dropping mess well before the big day. Don’t worry, though – after decades of Christmas tree experience, I’ve figured out how to keep a Christmas tree alive the entire holiday season, and I’m sharing my top tips with you today!

Thankfully, keeping a tree fresh is surprisingly simple—it all boils down to three easy steps. I have learned by trial and error over the years, and I swear by these tips.

And yes, I have often learned the hard way that a Christmas tree needs hands-on care in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Learn from my mistakes!

Don’t be nervous—I promise you, it’s super simple. Keep reading to learn how!

Why You Should Choose a Real Christmas Tree

There are so many reasons a fresh tree trumps an artificial one, in my opinion! Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting a live tree for Christmas this year:

1. Price

Buying a fresh tree is much more affordable than a plastic one—often by hundreds of dollars!

Shopping for a fresh tree is not too expensive, at least around here in the northeast. Here, we can get a pretty big Christmas tree for $40-50. Totally worth it!

2. Authentic Look + Scent

I know there are some arguments for purchasing a faux tree, but I can’t resist the beautiful pine smell. Although there are artificial fragrances you can put in your tree, they will never smell as good as the real thing!

And while the needles can get a little messy, it’s so authentic that it’s worth it. When you take care of your tree properly, the fallen needles are minimized.

Of course, you’ll still get some, but your tree should still look quite fresh through the rest of the holiday season!

3. Fun Family Tradition

There are many things I love about the holiday season, but hands down, one of my favorite activities is our annual outing to pick out our family’s Christmas tree.

This tradition goes way back—my husband and I picked out fresh Christmas trees before we even had kids, and my family also did it every year when I was growing up! It’s so special to me that I get to choose a tree with my own children now.

If you are looking for a wonderful way to make memories with your family, I highly encourage you to visit a tree farm and choose your tree in person each year. Here’s my dad, my kids, and me visiting our favorite spot along with our dogs! I truly treasure these yearly photos!

We usually get our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, so about a month before Christmas. That’s a lot of time for it to get dry and brittle if the tree isn’t cared for properly.

Thankfully, I’ve learned a couple of tips over the years that have helped us keep our Christmas trees alive and fresh.

Learn How to Pick the Best Tree

If you pick out the lonely Charlie Brown tree in the back of the lot, well… you get what you get. I really can’t say anything about that, though – I am the sucker who feels bad for that tree and wants to get it. Luckily, I have a logical husband who steers me in the other direction.

All that to say, Christmas tree care starts with picking the best tree possible! Before you go tree shopping, make sure you measure the height and circumference of where you’ll be keeping your tree. The last thing you want is to come home with a tree that can’t stand up in your room!

Plus, you want to make sure you pick a tree that is extra fresh. Here are some helpful tips and what to look for as you shop:

• Look at the needles – A healthy tree should have needles that are bright green, not brown.
• Shake the branch – If you give the branch a gentle shake, the needles should not begin to fall off.
• Run your fingers through the branches – Check to make sure they can bend easily without snapping.
• Give it a good sniff – A fresh tree will have that lovely pine scent we all adore.
• Touch the trunk – You want to feel a slight stickiness.

How to Keep a Christmas Tree Alive – 3 Tips

Once you choose the perfect tree, here’s how to keep a Christmas tree fresh…the easy way!

1. Make a fresh cut in the base of the trunk.

You don’t have to drill holes in the base; just cut an inch or so off. This encourages the tree to suck up water. We learned this tip from the pros at our favorite Christmas tree farm.

2. Try to avoid putting the tree near a heat vent or in direct sun.

Putting your tree too close to heat or sun will dry it out faster.

Sometimes, it can’t be avoided if the only space you have in your living room is in a bright sunny window, but it’s something to consider if your tree is consistently dry and brittle by Christmas morning.

If you can’t move the tree, I recommend waiting an extra week before bringing your tree home.

3. Water the tree as soon as possible and never let it dry out.

Check the water levels daily. Once the water dries up, it can start a downward spiral, resulting in dry needles that will fall off.

FAQs

Do I need to add anything else to the water?

I’ve read stories about people adding crushed aspirin or even corn syrup or sugar to the water, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Choosing the right tree is paramount. Then, lots of plain water with a little TLC when you bring it home is key to keeping your Christmas tree alive.

It really is that simple!

What do I do if my tree starts to dry out?

If you notice your tree starting to dry out, make a fresh cut to the trunk’s base and submerge it in water immediately. You can also try misting the branches daily to keep them hydrated.

What is the best tree stand to get for a real Christmas tree?

If you’re on the hunt for a new Christmas tree stand this list is perfect! I pulled a few of the best-selling 4+ star bases from Amazon.

• If you have Amazon Prime, you’re in luck! This Krinner Tree Genie Tree Stand is the #1 best-seller on Amazon. It makes it so much easier to set up your tree with a foot pedal instead of screws. It comes in various sizes to fit most tree sizes.
• The JACK-POST Oasis Christmas Stand can handle trees up to 10 feet tall. The deeper well allows for more of the tree base to get the right amount of water.

Don’t forget the Christmas tree skirts for that finishing touch. There are some really cute options!

More Christmas Tips and Ideas

• Free Christmas Gift List (Printable and Online Versions)
• DIY Essential Oil Diffuser for Your Christmas Tree
• Easy DIY Christmas Ornament Storage
• DIY Air Freshener Spray with Christmas Essential Oils

Just pin the image below to save these tips for later!