Tree Tips: Traditions and How to Keep It Looking Good

For over two decades, getting a fresh Christmas tree has been one of our family’s most cherished traditions. I hope that these tree tips that we have learned over the years help and inspire you to give it a try. We’ve experienced just about every way you can bring a fresh tree into your home. We’ve cut them ourselves from local tree farms, bought them pre-cut from farms, purchased from hardware stores like Lowe’s, and even picked them up from pop-up shops. Each option comes with its own charm and lessons, but one thing has remained constant: we’ve learned how to make the most out of our fresh Christmas trees.

Here’s what we’ve discovered over the years to ensure your tree lasts longer, holds onto its needles, and fills your home with the Christmas spirit.

Timing Matters: Tree Tips for When to Get Your Tree

We always wait until after Thanksgiving to get our tree. For us, the weekend after Thanksgiving is the sweet spot. This timing ensures we’re not rushing the Christmas season, but we still get to enjoy the tree throughout the holidays. Freshness is key, so waiting until closer to December means you’re more likely to find a tree that lasts through Christmas.

Tree Tips for Choosing the Freshest Tree

No matter where you buy your tree, freshness makes all the difference. If you have access to a local tree farm, cutting your own tree is the best way to guarantee freshness. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to support local businesses and create lasting family memories.

When buying a pre-cut tree, take a moment to ask questions. If the tree has been shipped in, find out when it arrived. The freshest trees will have greener, more pliable needles that don’t fall off easily when touched. A little extra research goes a long way in finding the perfect tree.

Prepping Your Tree for Longevity: My Three Most Important Tree Tips!

1. Cut It Again
If you purchase a pre-cut tree, always have the bottom trimmed before bringing it home. Cutting about two inches off the base allows the tree to absorb water more effectively. This simple step helps keep your tree hydrated and vibrant throughout the season.
2. Give It a Good Shake
Before bringing your tree indoors, give it a thorough shake to remove any dead needles, debris, or potential allergens hiding in the branches. A good shake not only keeps your home cleaner but also ensures the tree is ready for decorating. If possible, do this outside or in an area where cleanup is easy. Usually, the farm where you get it or the hardware store has a machine that does this for you before you even load it up.
3. Water Daily
Once you bring your tree home and place it in its stand, water it immediately. Fresh trees are thirsty and can drink a surprising amount of water, especially in the first few days. Make it a habit to check the water level daily. If you notice the water slowing down, be cautious not to overfill, but always keep the base submerged to prevent it from drying out. I have overfilled mine a time or two. We put down a tree mat under the tree to help with this.

Let the Tree Rest and Shake It Out

Once we get our tree home, we like to let it rest before decorating it. If it’s been wrapped or leaned against other trees the branches need to open up. Putting it in its stand overnight and watering it allows the branches to relax and open up to their natural shape.

Bonus Tip: Get a Very Sturdy Tree Stand

You must have a heavy duty tree stand! We got ours at Home Depot and have had it since we got married. I couldn’t find the exact one, but here is a pretty good example of a sturdy tree stand that would work. However, I would encourage you to read the reviews and do your own research.

Why Fresh Trees Are Worth the Effort

While artificial trees are convenient, there’s something irreplaceable about a real Christmas tree. The smell of fresh pine, the ritual of picking it out, and the satisfaction of making it last throughout the season all contribute to the magic of Christmas. Over the years, we’ve realized that the effort to care for a fresh tree isn’t a chore—it’s part of the tradition.

From supporting local farmers to creating family memories, fresh trees offer an experience that goes beyond just decoration. For us, the process of choosing, preparing, and caring for our tree is as meaningful as the tree itself.

Tips for a Successful Fresh Tree Experience

1. Pick the Right Spot
Avoid placing your tree near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight. Heat dries out the tree faster, causing it to lose needles and fade prematurely.
2. Use the Right Stand
Invest in a sturdy tree stand that holds plenty of water. A stable base prevents tipping and makes it easier to keep the tree hydrated.
3. Decorate with Care
Once your tree has settled and you’ve watered it, it’s ready for decorations. Take your time to ensure lights and ornaments are evenly distributed, and step back to admire your work.

A Family Tradition Worth Keeping

For more than 20 years, our fresh Christmas tree tradition has brought joy, laughter, and a touch of nature into our home during the holidays. Whether we’re trudging through a snowy tree farm or carefully selecting from a pop-up shop, the experience is always memorable.

The key to a successful Christmas tree season lies in choosing the freshest tree, giving it the care it needs, and savoring the moments spent around it. These traditions remind us of the simple joys of Christmas and the beauty of celebrating together.

This year, as you bring home your tree, we hope these tips help you create a holiday centerpiece that lasts, and more importantly, memories that stay with you long after the season ends.