How to Take Care of a Live Christmas Tree

Now that Thanksgiving is over, many families are putting up their Christmas trees. If you are one of those families who love a real conifer, then you are probably already on the hunt for a good one. But finding the perfect tree is just the start; you must also do what’s necessary to ensure it stays perfect once it is in your home. Basically, it all comes down to routine tree care. Be sure you are prepared to take good care of your Christmas tree if you want it to retain its freshness, luster, and fragrance all month long!

Continue reading to learn some important maintenance tips for live Christmas trees, including how to prepare them, water them, and more!

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518


A Christmas tree will not require the same type of routine maintenance as would a tree that is planted in the ground with an attached root ball. Since Christmas trees have a severed the root ball, there is no need to provide it nutrients or sun; it will not be growing anymore. However, there are a few important things you can do to retain its freshness and appeal for as long as possible. Use the following tips to make your Christmas tree stand out among the rest!

Christmas Tree Care Tips:

🎄 Make a Fresh Cut Before Coming Home

If you have not already purchased and set up your Christmas tree, then be sure to make a fresh cut off the base of the trunk (at least one inch from the bottom) before you bring it home. You can ask the tree salesman to do this for you, or you can use a saw to do it yourself. A fresh cut allows the tree to intake water more efficiently, rendering more beautiful foliage and fragrance.

🎄 Do Not Place Your Tree By the Fire

Although Christmas trees and fireplaces seem to complement one another, they are not good neighbors. Not only can a live Christmas tree be a fire liability, heat sources in the home can accelerate evaporation and moisture loss in the tree. This will surely shorten its run. In addition to fireplaces, avoid setting up your tree near heat registers, space heaters, wood stove, TVs, computer monitors, and anything else that gets hot.

🎄 Water Your Tree ASAP

As soon as you have your freshly-cut tree placed in its stand in the spot where you want it, immediately give it some WARM water. A good Christmas tree stand should be able to hold 1 gallon of water or more, so give your tree as much as the stand will hold. In fact, it is common for a standard-sized Christmas tree to need 2 gallons of water on the first day it the stand.

🎄 Use Regular Tap Water

Do not to use any additives in the water, as there is no reason to since the tree is already severed from the root ball. Furthermore, such additives can cause premature moisture and pine needle loss. Scientific research has shown that tap water is best for indoor trees, so just use regular water from the sink to water your Christmas tree.

🎄 Inspect Your Tree Stand on a Daily Basis

Since you fill up the stand all the way, you do not have to water your Christmas tree every day. Instead, just check on it daily to ensure the water level has not dropped below the trunk base. If the cut section of the tree trunk is not in water, the base will seal up. So when the water level is close to the bottom of the Christmas tree, fill up the stand again with more warm water.

✨ Keep an eye out for next month’s blog about recycling your Christmas tree!

Professional Indianapolis Tree Service

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified tree care who provide a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial properties, including tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and much more. When you need quality tree removal services at a fair price, you have come to the right place!

FAQS About Christmas Tree Care

If you bought yourself a live Christmas this year kudos to you! This is a terrific way to truly experience the seasonal surroundings. Just be sure you take good care of it so that it lasts to New Year’s Day!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

? What Do I Do With My Tree After I Buy it?

When it comes to buying a precut Christmas tree, the first thing you want to do while you are still at the tree lot is ask the staff to cut off an inch of the trunk. If you are far away from home, wait to cut the trunk yourself when you get back. A freshly cut tree needs to be placed in water within 2 hours for the best results. Before you bring your tree outside, be sure to give it a thorough shake to release any dead pine needles. This will save you some vacuuming time. Once it is time to place the tree into your stand, be sure to prune sparingly. You shouldn’t have to cut off more than 6 inches to make the tree fit the stand.

? Which Type of Tree Stand Do I Use?

There are so many different brands, styles, and varieties of tree stands out there. The one you choose will mostly depend on the size of your tree and your personal preference. Just be sure the stand comfortably holds at least one gallon of water. Many homeowners say that wide-set adjustable screw tree stands are better because they are easy to use and won’t damage floors or tip over.

? How Often Do I Need to Water My Christmas Tree?

Just like any other living plant, you will need to water it regularly to maintain its robust and colorful appearance, and prolong its lifespan. The recommended amount of water for a Christmas tree is one gallon of water each day. This simply means keeping the 1 gallon tree stand reservoir full at all times. Simply check it throughout the day to ensure it has plenty.

? Should I Add Aspirin to My Christmas Tree Water?

There are plenty of misconceptions about tree additives. One is that adding aspirin is helpful for prolonging life and resilience, but it is really not necessary. Your Christmas tree doesn’t need any additives; it only needs plenty of fresh clean water.

? Where is the Best Place to Put a Christmas Tree?

Many people only consider aesthetics when deciding where to put their Christmas tree. And although it is nice for it too look good, safety is a vital aspect to consider first and foremost. For instance, you do not want to place your tree near fire hazards like fireplaces, candles, exposed light bulbs, and strong drafts. Furthermore, you do not want to dry your tree out prematurely by placing near heaters and open vents.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518