Xmas Tree Care

Look after your tree - it will love you for it

There are many important steps to be taken to keep your tree looking fresh, from the moment it is delivered, through until Christmas day.

Looking after your freshly cut tree early will enhance its durability. First and foremost, we all want to ensure our Christmas tree retains that familiar pine aroma which has become a Christmas time tradition in many kiwi living rooms!

Helpful hints to keep your tree looking fab

Make a Cut!
Upon delivery, make a new cut about 2cm from the base of your tree. A small handsaw is sufficient for this task. For best results make this cut immediately prior to placing the tree in water to prevent a new layer of sap forming. Within minutes of being cut at our Christmas tree farm the base of the Christmas tree forms a layer of sap. When this sap hardens it hinders the trees ability to absorb water. Do this and your tree will love you for it.

Water, Water, Water!
The most important step of all is to make sure your tree has a constant supply of water. It is common for a freshly cut Christmas tree to drink dry an average water filled Christmas tree stand in the first 48 hours, especially in hot weather. This beginning period is the most critical; even a matter of hours without water will affect the look of your tree. Your tree will drink less water after this period, so regular checks early will prevent your tree from running dry. Essentially, the sooner your Christmas tree is set up in a water filled bucket or Christmas tree stand, the better your tree will look for the duration of its life.

And more

  • Keep your tree in a shaded part of the house (i.e. away from windows which catch the all day sun)
  • Keep your tree away from heat sources such as heaters, air conditioning units and television sets
  • Use Christmas tree lights that produce low heat (smaller versions) and are in good working order. Turning your Christmas tree lights off before you go to bed will help prevent your tree from dehydrating.
  • Use a stand that is the right fit for your tree. Chipping away at the base of your tree to fit into a stand will affect the trees ability to drink, as the outer layers of wood are most efficient at absorbing water.
  • Regular checks of your tree and following most of the above procedures should ensure your tree looks its best for the duration of the Christmas period.