How to stop your Christmas tree shedding as it creeps close to the big day… placement is everything, says pro gardener
IT’S that time of year again, and if your Christmas tree isn’t all already, no doubt you’ll be putting it up very soon.
But for those who still opt for a real tree, it’s no secret they can come with their fair share of problems.
Of course, being covered in tinsel and sitting in a warm living room isn’t the usual habitat for tree, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them shedding.
There are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to keep them looking fresh throughout the festive period – and you don’t have to spend a fortune to try them either.
FRESH WATER
According to Chris Bonnet, founder of Gardening Express, Christmas tree act like any other plant and need a good supply of fresh water every single day.
The trunk should be submerged in water, he explained, so make sure to check every morning.
Failing to give your tree water can result in in dying quicker, which means more pesky needles on your floor.
SKIP THE ADDITIVES
According to the gardening pro, you shouldn’t waste your time adding things like sugar and bleach to your tree’s water.
Although some people swear the hacks help extend your tree’s life and keep it healthy they couldn’t be more wrong, at least as far as the pro is concerned.
Instead, your best bet is to keep things natural and stick to fresh water – don’t waste your time or money on anything else.
AVOID HEAT
You might only have one corner of your home where your Christmas tree fits – but it’s bad news if it’s by a radiator.
Chris told Expres.co.uk that trees can dry out easily if kept near a heat source.
“Signs of a dry tree include brittle branches, needles dropping off and a musty odour,” he explained.
If possible, keep your tree away from fires and radiators – you might have to rearrange some furniture to do this but your tree will thank you for it.
Ideally, your Christmas tree should be in a room between 16 and 18°C, the pro added.
STICK TO LED LIGHTS
Not only are they much safer, but LED lights don’t get nearly as hot at traditional fairy lights.
This means your tree is also less likely to dry out.
You can pick from a range of colours and tones with LEDs, but reduce the risk of fire and stop your tree from shedding.
CHECK THE BRANCHES
When decorating your tree think twice about where you hang each decoration.
Heavy baubles and other ornaments can cause weaker branches to droop and break – the last thing you want to happen.
You can sperate your decorations into light and heavy piles before decorating to ensure it doesn’t look uneven.
GIVE IT A MIST
The gardening pro suggested misting your Christmas tree with water every few days if your home is especailly dry.
This will help them “retain their moisture”, meaning they’ll last longer and won’t fall to the ground.
DON’T MOVE
Once you’ve picked the perfect place for your tree it’s best not to keep moving it.
“Trees are already vulnerable once we’ve taken them out of their natural and preferred environment and moving them can disrupt their water absorption and could stress any weak branches,” the pro explained.
How to look after your real Christmas tree
HERE'S what you need to know if you're buying a real Christmas tree:
First thing’s first: buy a pot (if it doesn’t come in one already).
You’ll need to treat your tree just like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage – and it’s a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil everyday to make sure it’s not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels moist, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check the LED bulbs on your tree lights aren’t too hot as they could burn it, and keep your tree away from radiators.
When Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
It’s a good idea to take it out of its pot when you do re-plant it though, as large trees don’t survive well in pots as their roots need space to grow.