How Long Does a Real Christmas Tree Last? | Treasy Trees

With the cool season well underway, you’re probably eager to start decorating for the holidays and might be wondering how long does a Christmas tree last? A real Christmas tree typically lasts four to six weeks if it’s well cared for. Fresh trees, like those you can get from a Christmas tree farm are not only nicer to look at than artificial ones, but they also smell delicious and are gentler on the environment.

How Long Do Different Christmas Trees Last?

Whether you’re an adept or just taking the plunge and deciding between a real vs. fake Christmas tree, you might be wondering how long does a live Christmas tree last?

The short answer is that, with proper care, your high-quality holiday tree should last around five weeks, and sometimes more. The longer answer is that this also depends on the species and the environment. Here is a table with different tree species and their ability to retain their needles when cut:

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What Factors Determine How Long a Real (Live) Christmas Tree Lasts?

It depends on the species, the freshness of the cut, proper hydration, indoor humidity, and where the tree is placed.

Species (Balsam vs. Fraser vs. “Wild”/natural form)

The tree specie will have a role to play when it comes to its ability to retain needles. While the Fraser fir is among the best kinds of Christmas trees in Canada with excellent needle retention, it has a milder scent. So, some folks might prefer a real Balsam fir Christmas tree or a wild fir tree for their stronger fragrance and their good ability to retain needles.

Freshness & “Fresh Cut” Timing

How long does a fresh Christmas tree last? Well, the answer is in the question! Fresh refers to “freshly harvested”, meaning that the time estimate relates to how long the tree will last after cutting. At Treasy Trees, we guarantee freshness, and your fresh-cut Christmas tree should last around four to five weeks in the proper environment and with the proper care.

Hydration & Water Quality

How long does a real Christmas tree last without water? After it has been cut, the trunk will naturally begin to seal and its ability to retain water will be greatly reduced, which is why the tree should be placed in water as soon as possible. Then, the first 24 hours requires the biggest water uptake, so you should keep a close eye on your natural Fraser fir Christmas tree or your wild fir Christmas tree. You can then proceed to daily checks.

Use plain water only or in combination with our Christmas tree preservatives. Do not add sugar, soda or bleach!

Environment

When indoors, heat sources and drafts can accelerate the drying process, and needles will fall quicker with heavy traffic (pets and kids). Sunlight and humidity also have a big role to play.

Placement & Stand Size

Your stand must be adapted to the size of your tree, not only for stability and safety, but also in terms of water volume per trunk diameter.

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How to Make a Christmas Tree Last Longer?

If you are wondering how long do real Xmas trees last? Then you might also be asking yourself how do you make a Christmas tree last longer? Here are some tips and tricks to follow, so you can get your tree in early December and keep it until the New Year.

Before Setup (Day 0)

Before your Christmas tree delivery in Toronto, make sure to have the proper stand ready. It should be the adequate size for the selected tree size and species, as well as have the proper water capacity for the trunk diameter.

Watering Routine

Once your tree arrives, you will want to make a fresh cut (½–1 inch) to open the xylem, which are the water-conducting tissues in the tree trunk that will pull water and minerals up and into the needles.

To maximize your fresh tree’s ability to absorb water, make sure to place it in the stand and fill the stand with water within 10-15 minutes of making the cut, or 3 hours max.

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Placement & Environment

How long does a Fraser fir Christmas tree last, for example? Keeping your natural Xmas tree away from radiators, fireplaces, vents and south-facing windows (or direct sunlight) will help extend its life. You might also want to use a humidifier in a very dry room.

Don’t have much space? Get your hands on one of our miniature Christmas trees!

Lights & Decor

Cool-running LED lights also help extend needle life, which you can also set on a timer to reduce any possible heat exposure. To maximize how long your natural tree lasts after cutting, avoid spraying fake snow over its needles. These types of sprays seal the needles and prevent them from absorbing much needed humidity.

Indoors vs. Outside: Which Lasts Longer?

Are you wondering how long does a Christmas tree last inside vs. outside? Here are the details.

How Long does a Christmas Tree Last Inside?

So, how long does a Balsam fir Christmas tree last in the house, for example? Firstly, a high-quality tree will generally last at least double the time of a poor-quality tree. Secondly, with proper care and the right environment, it can last around 5 weeks or even more. Don’t forget the recommendations stated above.

How Long does a Christmas Tree Last Outside?

For a fresh-cut tree, while a cooler, more humid environment does maximize needle retention, keeping it outside should be done so only temporarily, especially in freezing temperatures, which will cause the water to freeze and prevent the tree from absorbing it. Keep it in a stable container, protected from the wind and the sun.

FAQ

How long does a real Christmas Tree last without water?

A cut tree lasts only 6 to 8 hours before its trunk begins to seal.

What are the signs that your tree is drying out?

Discoloured needles, drooping branches, lack of fragrance and excessive needle shedding.

Does a Fraser Fir last longer than a Balsam Fir?

The Fraser fir is the needle retention champion, though the real Balsam fir Christmas tree is a close second.

SOURCES :

How Long Does a Christmas Tree Last? 5 Tips for Keeping a Real Tree Alive

How to Make a Real Christmas Tree Last Longer

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Plants Part 4: Christmas Tree Anatomy — Our City Forest