Christmas Tree Care

GARDENWORKS has been selling Christmas trees for over 25 years and we’re proud of our quality and selection. Choose from fresh and fragrant Douglas, noble, grand, Fraser and Nordmann fir.

Each year we visit our Christmas tree growers to be sure that the quality will meet our expectations and yours. Regardless of whether you choose a “Charlie Brown” tree or a more cultured tree, we want you to enjoy your tree for the entire Christmas season, and so suggest the following care instructions to ensure your tree stays fresh and safe until the New Year!

Fresh Cut Trees

  • Before putting your Christmas tree into the stand make a fresh cut at the base of the tree to open up the pores, which have been clogged by sap. The cut should be at least 2.5cm (1”) in thickness. The fresh-cut surface should be creamy white, not yellow or brown. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water.
  • After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between a fresh cut and when it is put into water, the more likely sap will clog the pores again and the tree will not be able to absorb water.
  • Keep the stand filled with warm water and check it regularly. An average tree may consume between 1 and 4 litres of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and your tree will stop absorbing water.
  • Place the tree in an area of your home that is away from heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces.
  • Use a tree preservative to really extend the life of your tree.
  • Small, low-voltage lights are best since they produce almost no heat. Miniature and LED lights reduce the frying effect upon a tree.
  • Be sure to check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on the tree.

Living Trees

  • Living trees should be kept indoors no longer than ten days. Keep them away from all heat sources.
  • Prior to being moved indoors, a living tree should be slowly acclimatized to indoor temperatures by placing it in a garage, carport, or other sheltered area for two or three days.
  • The root system of the tree should be soaked thoroughly and it’s a good idea to spray the branches with an anti-desiccant such as Wilt Pruf, prior to being placed indoors.
  • Once in the home, water the tree thoroughly with 2-4 litres of water each day. Set one or two trays of ice on the rootball each morning.
  • Only small, low-voltage lights, which generate low heat levels, should be used on living trees.
  • Be sure to check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on the tree.
  • When moving your tree back outdoors, place the tree in a protected area for a week, to allow it to become accustomed to the colder temperatures. Water the root ball well. The tree may then be placed outside or planted if the weather is mild.

Click here to download a printable PDF.