How to Care for a Christmas Tree

Live Christmas trees need constant care and attention to keep their natural beauty. Artificial trees also require some care to keep them looking their best. Caring for an artificial Christmas tree is much less taxing than maintaining a live tree and you only need to do it once a year.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Aerosol dusting spray for artificial floral arrangements
• Vacuum
• Christmas tree storage box or bag

1. Groom individual branches of the artificial Christmas tree as you assemble it at the start of the Christmas season. Take care to straighten each twig and reposition any unattached pieces that have moved out of place.

2. Clean the tree with an aerosol plant cleaner (the type used to clean silk floral arrangements). Keep several cans on hand to completely clean the tree. Vacuum the floors surrounding the Christmas tree to clean up any residue from the tree.

3. Decorate the tree for the Christmas season and enjoy.

4. Remove the ornaments, lights and garland after the Christmas festivities. Gently remove the lights and garland so as not to damage the branches and twigs.

5. Dust the tree again with aerosol plant cleaner after you remove all of the decorations. Plan to use at least one more can after Christmas than you used before Christmas.

6. Take the tree apart. Gently flatten the branches and twigs. Lay the branches in groupings according to their placement on the tree.

7. Place the disassembled tree in the original box or in a Christmas tree bag. Take care not to damage the tree by forcing it in the box or bag.