How to store your Christmas tree once the holidays are over

These storage tips will ensure your artificial Christmas tree stays in great shape for years.

An artificial tree can be a great investment. its fair share of benefits. Sure, it’ll cost more upfront than a real tree but it certainly saves you money in the long run. Faux trees are low maintenance; there’s no need to continually sweep up fallen needles or keep them watered. They are also less likely to pose a danger than real evergreens. You can recreate the essence of real trees with strong fir-scented Christmas candles, provided they are kept far from the branches.

If you’ve made the switch to an artificial tree, it’s important to know how to store a Christmas tree once the big day is over. These easy steps will ensure that your tree remains in great shape year after année.

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Step 1: Trim the Tree

It’s not as exciting as decorating a Christmas tree, consider putting away decorations like unpacking after a trip: it’s something that has to get done. Make a plan to store your holiday decor, such as ornaments, lights, garland, and the topper, so you’ll know where they go once they’re off the tree. Make sure you remove all tinsel and ribbon from the branches if you used it.

Step 2: Brush the branches

It is best to clean Christmas trees before you store them for the off-season. This way, debris doesn’t have time to adhere over the course of the year. Jennifer Derry is chief merchandising officers at Balsam HillThere are two options depending on whether your tree is pre-lit. “For pre-lit trees, wipe branches with a clean, dry cloth. Start from the top and gently work your way around the light bulbs,” she explains. You can also give your tree a quick clean with a vacuum, using either the crevice attachment or upholstery bristle brushes. Make sure to test a section at the base of the tree first to check if it can safely clean the branches without damage.”

Use a dry microfiber cloth, or a damp one, to prevent the snow-covered tree from showing dirt. Do not use a heavy hand or vacuum, as flocking can rub off.

Step 3: Select your storage method

“To retain the beauty of your artificial Christmas tree and prevent any damage during storage, make sure that all of the tree sections are stored properly, and kept out of the way in a cool, dry place,” says Derry. The technique you use to store your tree will depend on a few factors, such as the type of tree, the size of the tree, and the space you’re working with.

Artificial trees often come in multiple pieces. These pieces interlock via a middle rod. They can be disassembled easily and compactly stored. Always follow the instructions to disassemble an artificial tree, according to Derry. You might be able store the entire tree upright if you have more space, such as in your basement.

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Upright Storage

A storage bag that is upright can be a great option for people who have the space to store whole trees year round. While an upright bag may cost more than a standard horizontal bag, it will make it easier to plant the tree each year.

After cleaning out all decorations, remove the branches and slide the bag across the length of your tree. Zip the bag up to keep it safe. The bag can be taken to its storage place and stored vertically in the original stand. This is especially useful for delicate powders that are flocked. It is important to keep the powder away from pets or curious children throughout the year.

Tree Bags

This is a more popular option for Christmas tree storage since it won’t take up as much room as it condenses the size of the tree. For easy transportation, most bags come in rectangular shapes. The material doesn’t matter so much but it’s best to look for one that’s waterproof or, at the very least, moisture-resistant.

It is important to protect the tree from the elements. This is why it is best to store it in the original cardboard box. It allows for pests, water, heat, or moisture to get in too easily. A good zippered bag will extend your tree’s life and can be conveniently stored in a closet or basement, so long as the room is cool and dry.

Derry suggests a smart way to store the pieces: “Position the sections in the bag(s) as if they were a pair of shoes in a box, with the pole in the center.” If you need two bags to accommodate all of the pieces of a large tree, “place the odd-numbered sections in one bag, and the even-numbered ones in the other.” For smaller, tabletop Christmas trees, look for storage bags in the exact height as the tree so it stays snug.

Plastic wrap

Wrapping plastic wrap can be especially beneficial for trees that are flocked. Even if you skip this step, Derry advises to “compress all branches carefully and ensure that there are no unnecessary strains on the branches and lights” before storing them in a bag. A compromise would be to “tie a ribbon or cord around the section to secure the branches” which she explains makes the tree or its parts easier to handle.

Derry answers the question with one last tip: You can store your tree with baking soda or unused coffee grounds, to keep musty smells at bay until next Christmas.