Home Tree Care Setting Up Your Christmas Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

Complete Guide to Caring for Your Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree

Nothing says Christmas quite like the scent of a real tree filling your home. At Trees2You in Glynn, Wexford, we grow and supply premium Nordmann Fir Christmas trees — loved for their soft needles, rich green colour, and incredible needle retention.

But to keep your tree looking as perfect as the day it arrived, a little care goes a long way. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to keep your Nordmann Fir fresh, beautiful, and safe right through the festive season.

1. Choose a Fresh, Healthy Tree

It all starts with quality. Always buy your tree from a trusted local grower — like Trees2You, where every Nordmann Fir is freshly cut and carefully handled. A healthy tree should have vibrant green needles that are soft to the touch and firmly attached to the branches.

Pro Tip

When selecting your tree, gently run your hand along a branch. If only a few needles fall off, you’ve got a fresh one!

2. Prepare Your Tree Before Bringing It Indoors

Before setting up, cut 2–3 cm off the base of the trunk to open the pores and allow better water absorption. This small step can extend your tree’s freshness by several weeks.

If you’re not setting it up right away, store it in a cool, shaded place outdoors — ideally standing in a bucket of water. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near radiators.

👉 See our Step-by-Step Tree Setup Guide for detailed setup tips

3. Use a Sturdy, Water-Holding Stand

A strong stand with a large water reservoir is essential for a long-lasting tree. The Nordmann Fir drinks plenty of water, especially during the first few days after being brought indoors. Make sure your stand can hold at least 1–2 litres and check levels daily.

At Trees2You, we recommend sturdy, wide-based stands that keep your tree upright and safe for families with young children. We also offer tree stands for sale if you need one.

Pro Tip

Keep the water level above the base of the trunk at all times. If the base dries out, sap can seal the pores and stop the tree from drinking again.

4. Pick the Perfect Location

Where you place your tree can make or break its lifespan. Avoid putting it near radiators, fires, or direct sunlight, as heat causes the tree to dry out faster. Choose a cool, bright corner where it can be admired without being exposed to constant warmth.

5. Keep It Hydrated

A fresh Nordmann Fir can absorb up to a litre of water per day, depending on your home’s temperature. Refill the stand regularly — ideally every morning. Consistent watering keeps the needles soft, green, and full of that classic Christmas scent.

6. Decorate Safely

When decorating, use shatterproof ornaments on lower branches if you have small children or pets. Make sure fairy lights are in good condition and designed for indoor use. Turn them off at night or when leaving the house for safety.

Your Nordmann Fir’s sturdy branches are perfect for holding ornaments without drooping, so you can decorate confidently.

👉 Learn why the Nordmann Fir is perfect for families with young children

7. Maintain the Fresh Look

Over time, even the best-cared-for tree will start to dry slightly. To prolong its life:

  • Keep the room cool when possible.
  • Avoid placing it near vents or open fires.
  • Mist the branches lightly with water if your home is very dry (optional).
These small habits help preserve that rich colour and iconic pine aroma.

8. After Christmas: Responsible Tree Disposal

When the holidays end, you can bring your tree to a local recycling centre or Trees2You also offers collection service. Real Christmas trees can be chipped for mulch or composted, making them an eco-friendly choice compared to artificial alternatives.

Conclusion

With a little care, your Nordmann Fir Christmas tree from Trees2You can stay fresh, safe, and stunning all season long. From choosing the right spot to daily watering, these simple steps ensure your home is filled with festive warmth and the unmistakable scent of a real Irish-grown tree.

Ready to find your perfect tree? Order your Christmas tree online today from Trees2You, Wexford’s trusted grower and supplier of premium Nordmann Firs.

Ready for Your Perfect Tree?

Contact Trees2You today to order your premium Nordmann Fir Christmas tree.