A real Christmas tree is a living, cut plant — it needs a little care in its first hour and a bit of upkeep after that. Get those two things right and it’ll stay fresh through the whole season.
How long does a real Christmas tree last? With a fresh trim, daily watering and a spot away from heat, a real Christmas tree stays fresh for 3 to 4 weeks — some last even longer. As a living tree, exact longevity varies with species and conditions.
5 Steps to Keep Your Tree Fresh
1. Fresh cut
Your tree is freshly cut on delivery day, but sap starts resealing the base almost immediately. Slice 2–5cm off the bottom before standing it up — this reopens the pores so it can drink, the same reason you’d trim the stems of cut flowers.
2. Hydrate immediately
Get the freshly cut base into a water-filled stand straight away. If more than an hour passes and the base looks resealed with sap, recut it before standing it up.
3. Keep water topped up
Real trees are thirsty — they can drink up to 3–4 litres a day in their first week. Check the stand daily and make sure water always covers the base; if it dries out and reseals, the tree stops drinking.
4. Choose the right spot
Keep your tree away from direct sun, heaters, fireplaces, air conditioning and drafts — all of these dry it out faster. A cool, shady spot inside the house is ideal. LED lights also help, since they run cooler than incandescent bulbs.
5. Ongoing maintenance
Trim off any dry or wilting branches as you spot them — it keeps the tree looking fresh and holding its shape right through to Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a real Christmas tree last? 3 to 4 weeks with proper care — fresh trimming, daily watering, and keeping it away from heat. Some trees last longer depending on species and conditions.
How often should I water a real Christmas tree? Check it daily. Trees drink most heavily in the first week — up to 3–4 litres a day — and less as time goes on, but the base should never be allowed to dry out.
Where’s the best place to put a real Christmas tree? A cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, fireplaces, air conditioning vents and drafty windows or doors.
How much should I trim off the trunk? 2–5cm off the base, cut straight across, before placing it in the stand.
Do real Christmas trees drop needles? A few loose needles are normal for a real tree. Heavy or sudden needle drop usually means the tree has dried out — check the water level and top it up straight away.
After Christmas
Your tree is 100% recyclable. We collect and mulch trees as part of our collection service — check the collection timetable for your area. Don’t leave it on the nature strip — council won’t collect it.
Setting Up Your Tree
Need a stand? Shop Christmas tree stands — a good stand holds enough water reservoir to keep your tree hydrated without daily refills.