Bringing Nature Indoors: A Gentle Guide to Caring for Your Real Christmas Tree

There’s something irresistible about bringing home the tree early — especially in years that feel a little heavier than they should. A twinkling tree can do wonders for the soul. Unfortunately, when it comes to real Christmas trees, earlier is not better. Freshness is everything, and the closer you can leave it to December, the happier your tree will be.

That said, after ten years of growing and selling Christmas trees, we can promise that if you choose well and look after it, a real tree can last the whole season — even if you’re an Advent-weekend decorator through and through.

So, how do you keep your real tree looking its best?

Start With the Freshest Tree You Can Find

Before you fall in love with that perfectly shaped specimen, ask a couple of simple questions.

1. Where was it grown?

If it’s come from abroad, it was likely cut in October. The longer a tree has been lying around, the drier it becomes — and dry needles have only one destination: your living-room floor. UK-grown trees are usually cut later, often after the first frost has hardened them, which is why they stay fresher for longer.

2. How often do you get deliveries?

Some garden centres take one huge delivery mid-November and that’s it — lovely displays, but not necessarily the freshest. Others get weekly deliveries, which is what you want. A fresher tree at the start means a fresher tree by Christmas.

3. Do the ‘hand test’

Run your hand gently along a branch. One or two needles coming off is fine. A handful is… less fine. Trust your instincts. If it sheds on you before you’ve even paid for it, it won’t be winning any prizes at home.

(If you’re cutting your own, you get full marks immediately.)

Before You Bring It Inside

Get your tree netted before you leave the shop. I know it feels kinder to let it breathe, but a tightly wrapped tree travels far better — fewer broken branches, fewer casualties. All decent sellers will net it for you.

Once you’re home, let it sit outside for as long as reasonably possible. Cool air and a bit of damp do wonders for longevity. Think of it as letting the tree acclimatise before its big moment.

The Two Things Your Tree Cares About: Water and Heat

A real tree is basically a very thirsty house guest wearing a wool coat. Treat it accordingly.

Water: The Secret to Success

First, choose a stand that holds plenty of water. We swear by the Cinco stands — they’re sturdy, generous, and far more sensible than balancing your tree in the family heirloom bucket “that’s always been used.”

Before placing the tree in the stand, trim a small slice off the bottom of the trunk. This removes the sealed, hardened wood and helps the tree drink properly. Some people cut a small cross into the base to help water travel up, though if your tree is pre-drilled, it will already be primed.

Once the tree is secured, fill the stand straight away. A freshly cut tree can drink at least a pint a day — more if it’s warm indoors.

There is a long-standing rumour that lemonade or sugary water keeps trees fresher. Gwilym will swear blind that it works. Science remains politely unconvinced. I’ll leave that one to you.

Top tip:
We use a piece of hose with a funnel and jug so we can water the tree without climbing underneath it like amateur mechanics. Highly recommend.

Heat: The Silent Saboteur

Most people know to water their tree. Fewer realise that heat is equally capable of ruining the show.

Those glossy magazine photos of trees glowing beside a roaring log fire? Lies. Don’t fall for them. Intense heat curls the needles and dries the tree out. They won’t necessarily fall off, but the tree will develop an aroma best described as “unexpected woodland incident.”

Underfloor heating is gentler but still dehydrating, so keep water levels topped up daily and give the needles a light spritz every few days.

Try to keep your tree away from radiators if you can. And while winter sun isn’t strong enough on its own to cause trouble, a sun-drenched window plus underfloor heating is the tree-care equivalent of a poorly timed double-act.

If you have no choice but to place the tree somewhere warm, just know: the warmer the room, the more you’ll be watering. Little and often is the way.

Enjoy Bringing Nature Indoors

I hope this gentle guide helps you keep your tree fresh and beautiful all season long. May it bring a sense of calm, a little sparkle, and the unmistakable joy of Christmas.