IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE and we don’t know about you, but we have absolutely no intention of taking our Christmas tree down anytime soon. If you’re like us and want to keep the festive season going for as long as possible, we’ve compiled a few easy tasks to complete that will keep your Christmas tree looking fresher for longer.

Hydration is key 

It’s good to remind yourself that a Christmas tree is similar to fresh-cut flowers and a key component for how long it lives is how hydrated it remains. A Christmas tree can drink up to 2-3 litres of water per day, so it’s important to keep that base filled with water and don’t let it dry out. With the excitement in the run up to Christmas, you wouldn’t be remiss if you missed out on a few days of watering, but it’s not too late to add some water to the base of your tree which will certainly prolong its life. Adding water to a tree will also enhance it’s scent and keep that Christmassy smell alive in your home for longer. 

Shutterstock / Da Antipina Shutterstock / Da Antipina / Da Antipina

Add baking soda 

Baking soda is the gift that keeps on giving, often used to deodorise fridges or clean carpets, baking soda can also be used to keep your Christmas tree looking fresh. Mixing in a half teaspoon of baking soda into your tree stand (that’s already filled with water) will prevent any fungal growth on the tree. Preventing bacteria is a sure-fire way to preserve the life of a tree that needs a lot of water. 

Keep it cool 

If you plan on ringing in the New Year with your Christmas tree still glistening in the corner it’s important to consider the temperature of the room. Although we love a cosy room during this festive period with a roaring fire going, lowering your room’s temperature a few degrees at night can help preserve your tree. Letting a little air in and keeping it watered will also aid in this. 

Give the needles a break 

If your tree, and particularly the needles, are starting to look a little sad. It could be down to the heavy ornaments that have been adorning it over the past few days. Consider taking a few of the heavier ornaments off and adding some bows instead to give it a fresh and perkier look. 

Shutterstock / Chamomile_Olya Shutterstock / Chamomile_Olya / Chamomile_Olya

When the Christmas season is finally over and you’re ready to say goodbye – consider recycling your tree so that it can be used for mulch in public parks and gardens. Most recycling centres across the country take your old trees free of charge, but check out your local centres for confirmation or any tree drives that are taking place in your area so that your tree can be utilised in an environmentally friendly way.