Santa & SonChristmas Trees · Mill Farm
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Tending a young Christmas tree at Mill Farm
Tree care & maintenance

Keep your tree fresh, right through to Christmas

Children running around a Christmas tree at Mill Farm
Getting started

Preparing your tree

A few minutes when you get home makes all the difference to how long your tree lasts and how good it looks.

  • Give it a good shake outside to drop any loose needles
  • Double-check there are no wasp nests or other nasties hiding in the branches
  • If it's dusty, give it a wash down with the hose and let it dry before bringing it inside
  • Give the base a fresh cut before you stand it up
  • Stand it in water straight away for a first deep drink
  • Let it settle for a few hours before you decorate
Your routine

Setting up your tree

1

Standing

Use a sturdy stand with a water reservoir and get it standing straight.

2

Find the best location

Keep it away from heaters, fireplaces and direct sun. Natural sunlight and relatively steady temperatures will keep your tree looking pristine for longer. The cooler it is, the longer it will last.

3

Water daily

Top up the water every day — a fresh tree drinks a lot.

4

Add preservative once

Add tree preservative to the water once, when you first set it up. After that, just keep the water topped up.

Decorated real Christmas tree set up by a window at home, away from heatersReal Christmas tree lit up in a water-holding stand

Common mistakes to avoid

Steer clear of these common mistakes and your tree will thank you all the way to Christmas.

  • Letting the water run dry — even once can seal the base and stop it drinking
  • Placing it beside a heater, fireplace or in direct sun
  • Decorating before that all-important first deep drink
  • Forgetting to re-cut the base before you stand it up
Tree care FAQ

Your questions answered

How much water does a real tree need?
More than you'd expect. In the first few days a fresh tree can take up a litre or more each day, so check the reservoir every morning and top it up. As a rough guide, allow about one litre of water for every 2–3cm of trunk diameter, and never let it run empty.
How long will a real tree last?
With a fresh cut, plenty of water and a cool spot away from heat, a Santa & Son tree will happily last right through the Christmas season.
What can I do about needle drop?
Keep the water up and the tree away from heaters — dryness is the main cause of needle drop. A well-watered tree holds its needles beautifully.
Is a real tree safe around pets and kids?
Yes — just keep the water stand covered or out of reach, secure the tree well, and sweep up any fallen needles.
How do I dispose of or recycle the tree afterwards?
Real trees are fully compostable. Many councils offer green-waste or Christmas-tree recycling in January — check your local collection.

Make choosing your tree
part of Christmas.

Bring the family, choose a real tree and enjoy a Christmas day out at Mill Farm.

Buy a Christmas tree