Maintaining a Christmas Tree's Longevity for Future Celebrations: A Step-by-Step Guide
Synthetic Christmas Trees are increasingly popular over their real counterparts. There are numerous reasons why people prefer synthetic trees. They're hassle-free to buy as they don't necessitate a daunting (and often nerve-wracking) road trip to transport them. They also save you the expense of buying a new tree each year. Additionally, you have a wide selection to choose from, whether you go for a classic design or something unconventional, like a pink or metallic tree.
However, to ensure your artificial tree lasts several holiday seasons, proper storage is crucial. Although it might seem straightforward, it requires some planning and thought. Here's how the professionals suggest storing your Christmas tree:
- Brianna Porpora, designer & holiday curator with Jade House Design
- Kelly Lambert, senior merchant at home retailer Grandin Road
Remove the Decorations
Brianna Porpora, designer & holiday curator with Jade House Design recommends starting by removing any fragile ornaments and packaging them separately first.
But don't simply throw your ornaments into a box. Instead, Kelly Lambert, senior merchant at home retailer Grandin Road suggests dusting each ornament with a dry cloth before storing them. "To protect ornaments while storing until next year, gently place them back into the original carton they arrived in, or store them in an ornament-specific storage container," she explains. "Wrapping each ornament in tissue paper for additional protection is always recommended. If you choose to leave the hooks attached, wrap the ornament with the hook outside of the tissue to avoid scratching the ornaments' surfaces."
Discard any broken ornaments you don't wish to use next Christmas.
Clean the Tree
Before storing, Lambert suggests gently cleaning your tree with a dusting cloth or feather duster. While a microfiber cloth is ideal for this purpose, any cloth will do.
Fluff and Style the Branches
If you didn't fluff your artificial tree's branches when you first opened it, make sure to do it now to give your tree a fuller, more realistic appearance. Fluffing the branches ensures they don't remain in their compressed and flattened form when you first opened the packaging. "Once you've done this, setting up your tree next year will be much easier as there will be less shaping required," says Lambert.
Use a Storage Bag Designed for Trees
Instead of storing your tree in the box it came in, use a storage bag or box specifically designed for Christmas trees. Rolling storage bags and upright stands are available on the market to accommodate different storage spaces, tree sizes, and homes.
Keep All Tree Components Together
Set yourself up for success next holiday season by keeping all your tree components in one place. "Store all the pieces for your tree together – all the sections, lights, and the stand – so you're not searching for them when you go to set it up again next year," says Lambert.
Find a Suitable Storage Spot
It's best to store your tree in a closet or an attic (if you have one). While a basement might seem like an option due to space constraints, Porpora advises against it. "Trees should be stored upright in a cool, dry area and, if possible, elevated in case the basement floods," she says. If a basement is your only option due to space constraints, you can always place some boxes or plastic containers underneath the tree to keep it off the floor.
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To maintain the longevity of your synthetic Christmas tree, consider organizing its storage following RealSimple's advice. Start by removing all decorations and packaging fragile ornaments separately for safekeeping. Then, clean the tree gently using a dusting cloth or feather duster before fluffing the branches for a fuller appearance. After fluffing, use a storage bag designed specifically for trees to keep the components intact. Store the tree in a suitable location, such as a closet or attic, avoiding damp basements if possible. By following these organizing tips, your holiday tree will be ready for use during the next entertaining seasons.
