How Can I Keep My Christmas Tree From Drying Out, Dying Or Dropping Needles?

Make sure your tree stays fresh before you set it up.

Choose a Christmas tree that is less likely to drop needles.

Kevin Bosworth of David's Portland, Maine office recommends choosing fir while avoiding spruce.

Choose a fresh tree to reduce the chance of needle drop.

Best: A Christmas tree with a root ball is less likely to drop needles because it's still alive.

Even better: If you can, choose to chop down your own tree at a Christmas tree farm.

Good: If you bought a pre-cut tree, shake it vigorously to make sure the needles don't fly away. Its problems only get worse when you get home.

Help your tree drink more water.

If you don't plan to erect the tree the same day you get it, put it in a bucket of water. Then, store in a cool, dry place away from cold temperatures and strong sunlight.

When it's time to set it up, cut an inch or so from the bottom of the trunk before putting in the stand.

How do I keep the needles on a real Christmas tree once it's set up?

Naturally, your tree will lose a few pins here and there before the holidays are over. But to prevent massive needle drop, keep the tree hydrated and away from heat and drafts.

Your tree stand should always have water. You don't want the basin to run out of water, as the tree may seal its bottom with sap, which greatly reduces its ability to absorb water. Be sure to fill up your tree stand every day to make sure this doesn't happen. No need to add any preservatives to the water.

While you may love being warm and toasty in the winter, your Christmas tree doesn't! Stay away from any heating vents, fireplaces, radiators or windows that bring in a lot of sunlight.

You can even choose smaller or LED lights on the tree. Since they produce less heat, they are less likely to dry out the tree.

Can I save a dying Christmas tree with brown needles?

If you pay attention to the tips above, your Christmas tree should look good for about five weeks.

But all live Christmas trees have a shelf life that will come earlier if your tree doesn't have enough water.