Caring for your Real Tree
Caring for a real Christmas tree is easy, especially when your tree is a mountain fresh Christmas tree from Hart-T-Tree Farms! Read below for tips on caring for your Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Care - Keep It Fresh & Fragrant
There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree filling your home with fresh mountain fragrance. With a little care, your tree will stay lush and lovely all season.
Before You Bring It Home
Ask for a fresh cut if the tree was cut more than a few hours ago. A ½"–1" slice from the base opens up the pores so it can drink.
Head home quickly and keep the base protected from wind/sun to prevent drying. If you are not going to put the tree up right away, place it in a bucket of water and store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Set-Up at Home
Use a quality stand that holds plenty of water (a quart per inch of trunk diameter is a good rule of thumb).
Position wisely: keep your tree away from heaters, fireplaces, heat vents, and sunny windows.
Level & straight: tighten the stand evenly so the base sits flat and secure.
Watering 101 (Most Important!)
Fill immediately after set-up. A fresh tree can drink a lot the first 24 hours.
Check daily (twice daily for the first 2–3 days). Never let the water line drop below the cut.
Plain tap water is perfect. No sugar, aspirin, or additives needed.
Lights & Safety (Quick Reminders)
Use cool-burning LEDs and check that light strings are in good condition.
Turn lights off when you’re asleep or away from home.
For more safety tips, see our Christmas Tree Safety page.
After the Holidays
Recycle, don’t landfill. Many communities chip trees into mulch or use them for habitat. Check local recycling options or ask us for ideas.
Download this handy infographic guide from the Real Christmas Tree Board.
Quick Troubleshooting
Needles dropping early? Increase watering, move away from direct heat/vents, and avoid direct sun.
Tree looks tilted? Loosen stand screws, reseat the base flat, and retighten evenly.
Water isn’t going down? The cut may have sealed. Try adding hot water to break the seal.
Caring for Our Mini Trees - Shipped or Picked Up
This section is tailored to the mini Fraser firs we sell in stands and ship nationwide from Hart-T-Tree Farms.
What’s the red stand for?
The red stand at the bottom helps keep your tree upright and holds a little water if you’re displaying it indoors. If you’re placing your tree outside in planters, you can leave the stand on for stability, or remove it if your planter will hold the tree securely on its own.
Planter set-up (outdoors):
Place the tree directly into your planter and fill around the base with soil, mulch, or decorative moss. Soil is best because it holds moisture around the base.
Style tip:
For porch planters, tuck in a little extra greenery, ribbon, or pinecones around the base for a full, festive look.
Watering outdoors:
Cold climates: usually very little water is needed—the cold helps the tree retain moisture. In sunny or windy spots, add a little water occasionally during dry spells.
Warm or sunny climates: add a small amount of water from time to time to help the tree stay fresh. Warm weather causes the tree to transpire more quickly.
If temps are dropping well below freezing and you’re concerned the plastic stand might crack, skip watering. When it’s cold enough, the tree won’t need water anyway.
Watering indoors:
If you bring your mini tree inside, keep the stand filled with water so it stays fresh and green. Check daily—these little trees can surprise you with how quickly they drink.
Get your own mini tree - shipped to you or a loved one.
Can’t bring everyone to the farm or tree lot? Send a little piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains to friends and family with one of our mini Fraser fir trees, shipped fresh from our fields.
Keep It Fresh, Keep It Safe, Keep It Simple
Care: You’re here!
Safety: Visit our Christmas Tree Safety page.
Questions: See FAQs or contact us—our farm team is happy to help.