How to care for your natural Christmas tree

Natural Christmas trees bring a festive touch to your home, but they require proper care to stay fresh throughout the holidays.

Follow these tips to keep yours looking good the entire festive season:

• Before setting up your tree in its stand, make a fresh, straight cut three to five centimetres from the base of the trunk.

• Place your tree away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces and direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

• Check the stand daily to ensure the water level doesn’t go below the base of the tree.

• If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier to keep the tree hydrated.

• Use LED string lights. They generate less heat, preventing the tree from drying out and reduce the risk of fire.

• Remove fallen needles from around the tree often to keep your space tidy and minimize the fire hazard.

Once your natural Christmas tree has served its purpose, consider recycling it. Many communities offer recycling programs for Christmas trees, where they’re repurposed for mulch or other environmentally friendly uses.