The Surprising Mistakes Killing Your Christmas Tree – & How to Fix Them

You’ve untangled the lights and dusted down the decorations. And, to a backdrop of blaring carols, you’ve hauled in your tree – carefully chosen for its perfect silhouette – and adorned it until it looks worthy of a Pinterest board. You sit back with a mulled wine and admire your twinkling creation. And then, a few days later, the needles begin to drop and the whole effect starts to lose its magic.



We’ve all been there. But as the experts at Pines & Needles, London’s leading purveyors of sensational spruces, know well, this sad, dried-out fate need not befall your Christmas tree this year – or any year.

A British brand with proud Scottish heritage, Pines & Needles’ story began in 1995 when brothers Josh and Sam Lyle, then just 15 and 13, loaded an old horsebox with Christmas trees grown on their family’s Scottish farm and brought them to London. A tradition – and a name now synonymous with Christmas – was born. Today, the company has 39 stores across the capital.



It truly keeps Christmas in its heart all the year round. Pines & Needles not only supplies top-quality trees and decorations (even offering installation and decorating services) but donates trees to local schools and plants thousands more, supporting education and environmental projects as far afield as Africa and Southeast Asia. To say they know a thing or two about Christmas trees is an understatement.

And as they explain, Christmas trees behave much like cut flowers, drawing water through their bark by capillary action. Real trees are living organisms; once cut, they begin to deteriorate. With the right care, however, they can remain fresh and beautiful throughout the festive season. Here, Pines & Needles shares its top tips.



And as they explain, Christmas trees behave much like cut flowers, drawing water through their bark by capillary action. Real trees are living organisms; once cut, they begin to deteriorate. With the right care, however, they can remain fresh and beautiful throughout the festive season. Here, Pines & Needles shares its top tips.

Real Christmas Trees Need Care Too

Veronika Kusak, E-commerce Director, says: ‘We want our customers to remember that a little care – such as watering and keeping the tree away from heat – goes a long way in keeping their Christmas tree fresh and beautiful.’ She adds: ‘Follow our tips and your tree can easily last the duration of the festive season, bringing joy and cheer to your home.’

Prepare The Trunk

Before setting up your tree, saw off the bottom 1–3 cm of the trunk. This fresh cut opens the pores in the bark, allowing water to be absorbed through capillary action. Without this step, sap can block the pores within hours, preventing hydration.

Choose The Right Location

Place your tree in a cool, stable environment. Avoid radiators, fireplaces, heaters and direct sunlight – all of which dry the tree faster. Likewise steer clear of dehumidifiers and air conditioners, which can dehydrate trees even at cooler settings. A consistent temperature helps your tree stay fresher for longer.

Use A Proper Stand

Always use a purpose-built, water-holding Christmas tree stand. It provides stability and proper access to water. Avoid makeshift options like buckets filled with bricks or stones, which can be unstable and limit water uptake.

Water Regularly

Keep the stand topped up with plain water – never soil or sand, which block the trunk’s pores. Depending on your tree’s size and your home’s heating, it may drink 1–2 litres per day. Ensure the water level never drops below the base of the trunk. Once the bark dries out, sap seals the pores and prevents further water absorption.

Watch For Pets

Pets, especially dogs, may treat the stand as a handy water bowl. This reduces the tree’s supply, so check levels frequently.

By following these simple care tips, you can keep your real Christmas tree fresh, vibrant and full of festive charm throughout the holiday season.