When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
You may have just put up your Christmas tree, but if it’s already dropping needles, you may have a bug. And, unchecked, you may find that its brownish and bare by Christmas instead of green and lush.
No surprises here: your Christmas tree is losing its needles because you bought a cut tree instead of one in a pot with roots. Basically, you have a dying plant on your hands.
As much as possible, you should try to slow down the clock on your Christmas tree’s life. This will make it drop needles more slowly.
There are many things you can do to make sure your Christmas tree stays alive as long as possible, such as putting it in the right spot and watering it regularly. I’ve found that these are the most reliable as Homes
A fresh, full Christmas tree is a beautiful sight during the holidays But no one wants to end up with a bare, sagging tree covered in fallen needles by Christmas morning Needle loss can happen for several reasons, but there are ways to slow it down and keep your tree looking its best all season long. Follow these tips to prevent needles from falling off your Christmas tree.
Choose a Fresh Tree
Selecting a healthy, freshly cut tree is the first step to good needle retention Here are some tips for picking the best tree
-
Give the tree a shake or lightly bounce the trunk on the ground – very few green needles should fall off.
-
Run your hand along a branch – the needles should be pliable and firmly attached. Avoid trees with brittle, dry needles that fall off easily
-
Check that the tree has a healthy green color without brown or yellowing needles.
-
Buy local and cut your own tree if possible, for maximum freshness.
-
Certain firs like Noble, Nordmann, and Fraser have better needle retention than spruces.
Cut the Trunk Before Displaying
As soon as you get the tree home, cut 1-2 inches off the base of the trunk before putting it in water. This opens up the tree’s vessels and allows it to take up water easily.
Keep the Tree Well Hydrated
Lack of water is the number one reason Christmas trees dry out and drop needles.
-
Use a reservoir tree stand and keep water in it at all times. Check it daily and refill as needed.
-
For a 6-7 ft tree, plan to add 1-2 gallons of water per day.
-
Mist the branches with water occasionally for extra moisture.
-
Avoid letting the tree wilt as this damages its ability to take up water.
Avoid Hot, Dry Locations
Christmas trees prefer cool, humid conditions. Avoid placing them:
-
Near fireplaces, heat vents, or other heat sources
-
In direct sun through south or west-facing windows
-
In rooms with dry air from wood stoves or fans
-
Under drafts from open doors, windows, or air vents
Use Cooler Lighting
The heat from tree lights speeds moisture loss from needles. Options like LED lights, mini lights, and fiber optic trees will reduce heat. Keep lights on for shorter periods and avoid leaving them on overnight.
Consider a Live Tree
Live, potted Christmas trees with intact root balls will stay healthier and hold onto their needles longer than cut trees. Look for locally-grown varieties suitable for replanting outdoors after the holidays.
Take Proper Care After Christmas
Once Christmas is over, remove all decorations and lights. Move the tree outdoors and lay it on its side on a tarp, keeping it out of the wind and sun until curbside pickup. This allows the tree to dry slowly for easy clean-up.
With proper selection, care, and hydration, you can limit needle loss from your Christmas tree. But some drop is inevitable as trees dry out when cut and brought indoors. As long as you follow these tips, your tree should remain lush and full with minimal fallen needles covering the floor.
Move a potted tree to a larger container
If you bought your tree in a pot from a plant nursery not long ago, it may not be in the best of conditions because it was only kept in the soil it came in with.
I like to make sure the roots of a potted tree aren’t damaged before I buy it. If they are, the needles will fall off. After I get it home, I usually put the roots in a bucket of water and then repot it in a bigger pot with a mix of sand and compost.
Not only does checking both of these boxes help it stay inside longer without dropping needles, it also makes it stronger and less likely to fall over or lean.
Cut off the bottom of the trunk
If you buy fresh flowers, you know you cut off the bottoms and put them in water, right? Well, the Christmas tree is just a bigger flower, so it needs the same care.
Why cut off the bottom inch of a Christmas tree first? This will get rid of the resin that builds up there and help the tree take in water. If you didnt do this first, its likely your tree cant take the drink it needs.
How to Keep Needles From Falling Off A Christmas Tree
FAQ
How do I stop my Christmas tree from dropping needles?
Is it normal for needles to fall of Christmas tree?
What to do with fallen Christmas tree needles?
Why is my potted Christmas tree dropping needles?
Do Christmas trees drop needles?
Making sure your tree stays fresh starts well before you set it up. Pick a Christmas tree that’s less likely to drop needles. We recommend choosing firs while avoiding spruces. Spruces are notorious for dropping needles. Pines are in the middle. They drop some needles, but not a ton. Select a fresh tree to lessen the chance of needle drop.
How to prevent needle loss on Christmas tree?
To prevent needle loss, choose a freshly-harvested tree and water it adequately. Some species, such as the Fraser Fir, have better needle retention than others. If you are wondering how to prevent a mess of needles all over the floor on Christmas, we are here to discuss the Why’s and How’s in keeping your Christmas tree fresh and healthy.
Do Christmas trees shed needles?
Select a fresh tree to lessen the chance of needle drop. Best: A Christmas tree with a root ball is much less likely to shed needles because it’s still living. Better: If you can, opt to cut down your own tree at a Christmas tree farm. Good: If you buy a pre-cut tree, give it a hearty shake to make sure the needles don’t fly off.
Do spruces drop needles?
Spruces are notorious for dropping needles. Pines are in the middle. They drop some needles, but not a ton. Select a fresh tree to lessen the chance of needle drop. Best: A Christmas tree with a root ball is much less likely to shed needles because it’s still living. Better: If you can, opt to cut down your own tree at a Christmas tree farm.