When a real Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. How long can a live Christmas tree last? With proper care, a fresh-cut tree can stay fresh in your home for around three to four weeks:
- Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir-type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimising needle loss problems.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid cutting the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand, as the outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water.
- Before you leave our farm, we will remove a disc of wood from the base of the trunk. This allows the tree to absorb water from the stand more efficiently.
- Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
- Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
- Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
- Using lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights or LEDs, will reduce drying of the tree.
- Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Visit the Kerry County Council web page to find tree recycling centres near you.
Place the tree in a suitable water-holding stand as soon as possible, keep the base submerged, and position the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, heat vents and direct sunlight. These steps help reduce drying and needle loss.
A real Christmas tree can remain fresh through the Christmas season when it is properly watered and kept away from heat sources. The exact lifespan varies by tree condition, species and indoor environment.
With proper care, a real Christmas tree can stay in good condition throughout the festive season. Killarney Christmas Trees recommends keeping the trunk base submerged in water and monitoring the stand daily.
A traditional reservoir-type stand that fits the tree properly is recommended. Avoid cutting down the sides of the trunk to make it fit, because the outer layers of wood are important for water uptake.
Keep the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, heat vents and direct sunlight. A cooler room environment slows the drying process and can reduce daily water consumption.