How To Keep A Real Christmas Tree Looking Fresh In Five Simple Steps | HuffPost Life

How To Keep A Real Christmas Tree Fresh

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

The time has come. You're finally adult enough to buy a real Christmas tree.

But how do you keep it looking fresh? (Especially when you struggled to keep that cactus alive for more than a week.)

To help keep your Christmas tree happy and alive, the folks at Popular Mechanics have released five helpful tips - because nothing quite spoils Christmas like a withered tree.

1. When you go to buy your Christmas tree from a farm, make sure you choose a healthy green tree with few brown needles.

2. When it comes to chopping the tree, trim the trunk (and then trim it again).

3. Once you've got your tree home, make sure you keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.

4. To keep it in tip top shape, keep the water level above the base of the trunk.

5. For those who don't want a shabby-looking tree taking up prime space in their living room, make sure you take it down before it's well and truly dried out.

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How To Choose A Christmas Tree

Where Does It Go?(01 of10)

Before picking any kind of tree, think about where it will be in house — and get specific about measurements. (credit:Shutterstock)

Making The Choice(02 of10)

Deciding between real or fake trees comes down to a few questions. Do you want the pine fragrance in your home? Do you have room to store an artificial tree after Christmas? (credit:Shutterstock)

How To Choose A Live Or Cut Tree(03 of10)

Check for fresh needles by bending them gently between your thumb and forefinger. It should bend easily and not break. Needles should also stay attached to the branch when you run your hand along it. (credit:Shutterstock)

More Fresh Tree Tips(04 of10)

If the tree is cut, lift it slightly off the ground, then drop it on its stump. If many needles fall off, the tree probably isn't fresh. (credit:Shutterstock)

Live Or Cut Tree Maintenance(05 of10)

Cut a half-inch from the trunk before putting it in water, but don't whittle the sides, as trees drink mostly from the edges of its trunk base. Keep your tree away from sun, fireplaces and other heat sources, and unplug the lights at night. (credit:Shutterstock)

Picking An Artificial Tree(06 of10)

For a realistic look, pick a tree one with PE needles (rather than PVC), a center pole, and individual stick branch attachments. (credit:Shutterstock)

Picking An Artificial Tree, Part 2(07 of10)

To make it easier to assemble, choose one with PE needles, a centre pole, hinged branch attachments and pre-strung lights. Quality can be determined by branch ends, which look sculpted, not snipped. (credit:Shutterstock)

Picking Your Lights(08 of10)

Key words to look for when buying lights: a 3,000-hour warranty, twist-proof sockets, the ability for the string to stay lit even if a bulb is burned out. And check for approximately eight to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) per light. (credit:Shutterstock)

Storing An Artificial Tree(09 of10)

With the right care, an artificial tree will last six to seven years. Make sure to store your tree in a carrying case, not a cardboard box — otherwise the box could get damp, disintegrate and let dust get into your tree over the year. (credit:Shutterstock)

What To Do With The Tree(10 of10)

Look for recycling centres for your cut Christmas tree, and see if a local thrift store would like your artificial one. (credit:Shutterstock)

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