Tree-torials & The Perfect Tree Quiz

When you first get your tree home (before bringing it indoors), give it a little trim - about 3cm off the base. Pop it in a bucket of water. It's like a little tree spa day, and it helps it stay hydrated for the weeks ahead.

Get yourself a tree stand that can hold water. Your tree is thirsty, and it needs a drink throughout its stay with you.

Check on your tree daily to make sure the base is still soaking in water. Seriously, you'd be surprised how much water these thirsty trees can slurp up.

If your tree is super bushy, consider trimming some of those branches closer to the trunk. This not only gives it a more elegant look but also reduces the number of branches that need water. Plus, you can use those trimmings for other holiday decorations.

Christmas trees aren't fans of heat, so keep them away from toasty sources like the fireplace and radiators. Warmth is great for snuggling, but not so much for your tree. Higher room temperatures make it dry out faster and shed more needles. So, keep it cool if you can.

Before you deck it out with lights, inspect and test them. This saves you from having to redo your masterpiece later. If your lights are on their last legs, think about replacing them. And, don't forget to turn them off when you hit the hay. Those bulbs can heat up, and that's not what your tree needs.

Give your tree some time to chill before you start decorating it. Let those branches settle into their natural position for a few hours. It makes decorating and achieving that even look much easier.

Here's an interesting one: add an aspirin to the water or use distilled water. Some folks say it helps prevent needle drop. Just make sure nothing but your tree takes a sip of that special water.

Maintain a good humidity level around your tree. You can do this by placing a shallow tray filled with water near the tree or by using a room humidifier. Adequate humidity helps prevent the needles from drying out too quickly and keeps your tree looking fresh longer.

Choose the spot for your tree wisely. Avoid placing it near doors, windows, or vents that might expose it to drafts and temperature fluctuations. These can cause your tree to dry out faster. Also, keep it away from direct sunlight, which can also lead to premature drying.

To wrap things up, consider using a tree skirt at the base. It adds a nice finishing touch and can even help with stability, depending on the type you choose.

After the festivities, take down your tree and bid it farewell from your house. If you've followed these steps, a well-cared-for cut tree should last at least four weeks. Don't just toss it out, though. Be environmentally friendly and check if your local council offers tree recycling. If not, it can go into your garden waste recycling bin, but you might need to do a little chopping first! Or book a tree-cycle and Edenmill can do it for you!