From the delightful smell of pine to their biodegradability, real Christmas trees are a lovely sight around the holidays. But compared to reusable plastic trees, real ones require a considerable amount of care and attention. If you’re heading to the local Christmas tree farm and wondering how you’re ever going to set up your Fraser…
1. Measure Your Space
Before buying your tree, you need to know how much space you have to work with. Rearrange your furniture to accommodate the Christmas tree and measure the diameter of the available space. You’ll want to take off about 1 foot from this measurement to determine the ideal width of your tree. Next, measure the ceiling height and subtract 1 to 1.5 feet to allow for a tree topper. If you’re not using a tree topper, subtract 6 inches to prevent the crown from scraping the ceiling.
2. Trim the Trunk
To ensure a healthy, happy tree, you’ll need to trim the trunk. First, remove all the lower branches to expose about 1.5 feet of the trunk. Then, carefully using a handheld saw, trim about a half-inch off the bottom. If the tree was freshly cut, you can skip this step, but if you purchased it off a lot, it’s a must-do. (Tip: Lot employees will often trim the trunk for you. It doesn’t hurt to ask.) Removing the crusted-over end makes it easier for the trunk to absorb water.
3. Use a Leaf Blower
Before bringing the tree inside, take a leaf blower and give the whole thing a once-over. This should dislodge any loose pine needles that would otherwise scatter across your living room floor. The leaf blower can also help get rid of any insects or nests that may be nestled within the branches.
4. Put the Tree in a Water Bucket
Prior to attaching the tree stand, take a bucket that’s about 1 foot deep and fill it with water. Then place the tree upright in the bucket — you may have to lean it against something for support — and let it rest for one to two days. If temperatures are above freezing, the tree can be left outside; otherwise, a garage or mudroom should suffice. This is important because trees soak up tons of water in the first 24 hours after they’re cut down. By letting the evergreen sit in a bucket, you’re providing it with the necessary hydration to keep it from drying out too quickly.
5. Attach the Stand Outside
While you’re outside, lay the Christmas tree down on its side, then attach the stand. This method is far easier than lugging the tree inside and crawling under the branches to tighten the stand. You’ll have fewer scratches from those pesky branches and less mess to clean up.
Once you’ve followed all of these tips, it’s time to gather your loved ones together and decorate the tree. Hopefully, these five hacks will make your holiday season a little less stressful.
