Christmas Tree Care 101: How to Look After Your Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are the A-list celebrities of the holiday season - taking centre stage, they get all dressed up, and everyone wants to take a photo with them! But just like any star, they need a bit of pampering to stay at the top of their game.
Artificial Christmas trees aren’t total divas! There’s no need to worry about watering or shedding needles, so they require a little less upkeep than real Christmas trees. Artificial Christmas trees are made from durable, premium-quality materials. However, they still need a little treatment to keep looking fabulous year after year.
Let’s unwrap the secrets to making your tree the best-dressed guest on your Christmas carpet!
Christmas tree care guide
1. Setting up your tree
Unbox it carefully
Although artificial trees are built to last, they do have a delicate side. To avoid damaging your tree, go slow and handle it with care. You must avoid tugging or pulling too forcefully when removing it from the box, as this can cause the branches to bend or break. If your tree is tightly packed, take your time to ease it out gently.
Protect delicate elements
Take extra care if you’re unboxing a pre-decorated or pre-lit artificial tree. Avoid placing pressure on the pre-lit areas or ornaments, as these can be fragile. If any parts appear tangled or caught on the packaging, carefully untangle them. Rushing this could lead to broken wires or damaged decorations.
Assemble as instructed
Taking the time to follow the assembly instructions carefully is essential to improve your tree's appearance and longevity. Skipping steps can result in a wobbly tree and uneven branches. Proper assembly ensures that all parts are securely connected, reducing the risk of sections collapsing or branches sagging under the weight of ornaments. If you want to speed up your assembly process, opt for a tree with hinged branches - these tend to be easier.
Looking after your tree during the holiday season
Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Just like people, artificial trees need protection from direct sunlight. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause the tree’s colour to fade, leaving it looking a little less festive than you’d like. Position your tree away from South-facing windows to keep it looking merry and bright for many years.
It’s also advisable to keep your tree away from direct heat. Placing it at least a couple of feet away from radiators, fan heaters, or fireplaces reduces the risk of it melting or catching fire.
Keep it clean
A dust-covered Christmas tree won’t get you on Santa’s nice list. Keep your tree looking its best throughout the holidays by dusting or gently vacuuming the branches and wiping down the foliage. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as these can damage the tree’s material.
Read our How to Clean and Care for Your Artificial Christmas Tree post for a step-by-step guide on Christmas tree cleaning.
Decorate carefully
Adding the Christmas decorations to the tree is an annual highlight for kids and adults alike, but don’t let your excitement get the better of you! Adorn your tree with care to keep it shining for longer.
Only use high-quality Christmas lights like the ones on our site to reduce the risk of melting branches or fires. Place heavy ornaments closer to the trunk and be wary of how many baubles you place on each branch to avoid the branches bending or your tree standing lopsided.
Pet and child-proof
If you have young children, teaching them to respect the tree is crucial. Keeping curious kids from grabbing, pulling, or chewing on your tree is vital to prolonging its life. Likewise, climbing cats and playful pups can threaten your tree.
Using pet deterrents, keeping fragile ornaments out of reach, and securing your tree with a tree skirt are great ways to reduce the risk of damage. For more pet-proofing tips and tricks, read our guides on how to dog-proof your Christmas tree and how to protect your Christmas tree from your cats.
Taking down and storing your tree
Clean before storing
To preserve your tree properly, cleaning it before you put it away for the year is essential. Follow the steps in our How to Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree guide, dusting to remove dirt and using water or a gentle cleanser to clean off any stubborn spots. Make sure the tree is completely dry before you set it to slumber until next Christmas.
Carefully disassemble
As much as we wish it could be Christmas every day, eventually, it’ll be time to take down your tree. As with putting up your tree, work slowly and take care to avoid bending or damaging the branches. Start by removing all the decorations, then carefully take apart the tree section by section.
Store properly
Storage is key to maintaining your tree. You could use the original box for storage, but be mindful that packing the tree too tightly can cause the branches to lose their shape. For more space and protection, a tree storage bag is the perfect solution for keeping your tree clean, dry, and undamaged for next year.
When deciding where to store your tree, opt for a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or attic and avoid damp areas like basements, as moisture can damage the tree over time. Store your tree upright or lay it flat without heavy items on top to prevent any compression damage.
Expert tips for extending your tree’s lifespan
As the UK’s number one artificial Christmas tree supplier, we know a thing or two about keeping trees in tip-top shape. We’re no grinches, so we’re happy to share our expert tips for prolonging your Christmas tree’s lifespan.
Choose a high-quality artificial tree
One of the best things you can do is invest in a first-rate tree. While budget trees might seem like a bargain, investing in a higher-quality tree can save you money in the long run.
Using natural-looking, PE-moulded pine needles and high-quality PVC tips, we craft durable artificial trees that can stand the test of time.
Whether you prefer a Norway Spruce or a Fraser Fir, we’ve got you covered. Christmas Tree World has sustainable artificial Christmas trees that look just like the real thing. The only catch? They never die!
Check and replace faulty parts
Regularly inspect your tree for faults. If you do find any damaged components, don’t worry! Whether it’s a broken branch or shedding pines, replacing these straight away can significantly extend the life of your tree.
All our foliage products come with a 10-year guarantee. This means that should any part of your tree fail, we’ll replace the faulty component to make sure your tree stands proud for years to come.
We also offer a 1-year guarantee on all electrical products, including our LED blossom trees and fibre optic trees, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you spot any faulty bulbs. We’ll make sure your tree keeps shining brighter than the North Star every Christmas!
Watch out for bendy branches
Does your tree look like it’s caught a case of the holiday blues? Droopy branches aren’t uncommon after years of use. Fortunately, this is usually an easy fix; just gently bend the branches back into place.
For especially stubborn branches, you could try using wire to help them hold their shape and restore them to their original glory.
Fluff up the branches
If your tree looks a little withered before its time, it might just need a bit of a facelift. Fluffing up its branches properly can inject new life into your tree. For tips on sprucing your tree, discover our How to Fluff Branches on an Artificial Christmas Tree guide.
Find a tree worth caring for at Christmas Tree World
Our range of artificial Christmas trees is second to none. From ultra-realistic Christmas trees to snowy artificial trees to pre-lit Christmas trees, you’re guaranteed to find a tree worth looking after. Our premium products are stylish, versatile, and built to stand the test of time.
A tree wouldn’t be complete without the decorations. Find baubles and Christmas lights to make your tree shine like the star that it is! And don’t forget to finish your decor on a high note with wreaths and garlands.
Our elves are always happy to help! If you have a question about tree care, want some guidance about choosing a tree, or need help assembling your tree, visit our customer helpdesk.
FAQs about Christmas tree care
Where should I store my artificial Christmas tree?
Ideally, you should store your tree in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or attic, and avoid damp areas like basements, where moisture can damage the tree overtime. To prevent compression damage, store your tree upright. If you have to lay it flat, avoid placing heavy items on top.
How long do artificial Christmas trees last?
On average, a good quality artificial Christmas tree should last between six and ten years; our How Long Do Artificial Christmas Trees Last? Guide offers a detailed explanation. However, at Christmas Tree World, we are so confident in the durability of our products that we offer a 10-year guarantee on our artificial trees.
How do you clean an artificial Christmas tree?
To clean an artificial Christmas tree, remove dust from the branches with a dust cloth, feather duster or vacuum. Then, use a microfiber cloth with water or a gentle cleanser to target tougher spots. Read our How to Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree post for proper care instructions and a step-by-step guide.
