How to care for your Christmas tree to keep it thriving until the New Year
If you're feeling stumped on how best to tend to your Christmas tree, there's no need to pine... Hazel Gardiner reveals the super simple root-ine that will transform your tree from floppy and flacid to festive and fabulous, as well as some tree-mendous tips and tricks to keeping your foliage looking happy and healthy well past the big day and into the new year.
What sorts of things should you look for when choosing your Christmas tree?Measure your space carefully before heading out to choose your tree. Think about spacing between branches for your decorations. Choose an unwrapped tree, instead of one in netting, to inspect freshness and shape. Tap the tree trunk on the grown and avoid any with lots of needles falling out, a fresh tree will have minimal fall out. Ask the supplier to re-net the tree after selection.
What should you do when you first bring your tree home?Saw off 1–2 inches of the trunk base and make a vertical cut to help water absorption. Sap forms on base within 5 hours of it being cut, creating a seal. Store outdoors overnight, in a bucket of water for the tree to fully hydrate before bringing it inside. Remove netting to allow branches to settle before decorating.
How can you keep it thriving until Christmas and beyond?Use a stand that holds plenty of water, remove any restrictive branches, top water up daily - trees can drink 1–3 litres a day depending on size. Keep the tree away from direct sunlight, heat sources and fires. Use a humidifier, mist your tree, or place a saucer of water near the base to add water into the air.
What's the best way to keep your wreaths and garlands fresh?Use a local florist, wreaths made with a moss base last longer and retain moisture. Look for designs using hardy evergreens like holly, pines, firs, and spruces for longevity. + Wreaths are best kept outdoors, in a cool temperature on your front door, although protect them from extreme frost and mist them weekly. For Indoor garlands and wreaths: Keep in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. + Mist the back of a mossed wreath and greenery to revive their scent and hydrate.