Putting up the Christmas tree marks the start of the festive season for many families, with many households going all out with their decorations each December.

Artificial Christmas trees have become increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and lack of mess, but many still prefer to head out shopping for a real tree during the holidays.

However, it's not just decorations you have to worry about with a real Christmas tree, as they also need a lot of care in order to keep them fresh and well maintained throughout the festive period.

Wondering how to get the most of your Christmas tree? Here are some top tips…

1. Purchase a healthy tree from a local farm

A local farm is the best place to purchase a Christmas tree from, as they tend to last longer and are more fresh.

Seek out a healthy, green tree with the least amount of brown needles and one that's in a shady location rather than a sunny spot is best.

Do a quick test on the branches by running a few through your hands – the needles shouldn't fall off and should feel pliable. You can also lift the tree up a few inches and put it back down to see how many needles fall off – only a few green needles should come off.

Purchase your tree around four weeks before Christmas Day, or six weeks if you have time to properly care for it.

2. Trim the trunk

When you buy a Christmas tree, check that the seller has made a fresh cut straight across the base of the trunk as this helps with water absorption and gets rid of any dried-over resin that may be blocking the tree from absorbing water.

Once you've got your new tree home, place it into a bucket of water if you're not putting it up immediately.

When you're ready to put your tree up, make sure to cut off another inch from the bottom of the trunk to help with water absorption.

3. Monitor the tree's water level daily

Your tree should be placed in a sturdy stand which can hold at least one gallon of water. You should water your tree regularly to ensure resin doesn't form as it can stop absorption and cause the tree to dry out quickly.

A dry tree can also prove to be a huge fire hazard, as it can take less than 30 seconds for a dry tree to burn down your living room. However, a well-watered tree doesn't pose such a risk.

Remember to check the tree's water level daily. It should always cover the bottom two inches of the trunk.

4. Take your tree down before it dries out

Make sure to take down your tree before it dries out, otherwise you'll be left with a huge pile of dead needles to clean up along with other festive mess. The easiest way to clear up fallen needles is with a vacuum.
There's many options when it comes with disposing of your tree, including starting a new compost pile or recycling it.

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