How to Store a Christmas Tree
Many people prefer artificial Christmas trees over fresh trees. Artificial trees don't need water, they don't drip sap or harbor insects and they don't shed needles on the floor. They are a safe alternative for people with hay fever or other allergies, and since they can be reused year after year, they are less expensive in the long run than fresh trees. Stored properly, your artificial tree can bring you joy for many Christmas seasons to come. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tree storage bag
- Original box or lidded plastic tote
- Artificial Christmas tree
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Twine
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Remove all decorations and lights from the tree. Use the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to gently remove surface dust from the branches.
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2
Take the top section of the tree off the trunk. Carefully push the twigs flat against the branches, then press the branches gently forward until they are lying along the trunk. Set the top section aside.
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3
Remove the branches from the rest of the tree. Carefully push the twigs flat against the branches and set them aside in groups according to size. Separate the sections of the trunk, if any. Remove the base of the tree from the stand.
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4
Wrap a few turns of twine firmly (but not tightly) around the flattened branches of the top section and knot the twine. Wrap a few turns of twine firmly (not tightly) around each bundle of different-sized branches; knot the twine. Tie any trunk sections together.
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5
Place the stand and the trunk sections in the bag. Put the largest branches in next, with the fullest part touching one end of the bag. Place the bundle of the next-largest branches in with the fullest part touching the opposite end of the bag. Tuck the smaller bundles of branches into the bag, finishing with the wrapped tree top in the middle. Close the bag.
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6
Place the bag carefully inside the original tree box or tote. Fasten the lid.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can, store your disassembled tree vertically to reduce the stress on the branches. Be sure the poles are vertical, too, so their weight won't rest on the branches.
Wear gloves while working with the branches to avoid scratches.
Store the tree in an area with low humidity and a temperature between 40 and 90 degrees.
Seal the bag and box carefully to prevent your Christmas tree from becoming a haven for rodents or birds.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
