How to Care for a Live Shedding Tree

Display your tree in a large reservoir-type stand. Choose a stand with the capacity to hold at least a gallon of water at a time to ensure that your tree gets enough water.

Fill the stand with water once a day or as often as necessary. Live trees consume the most water for the first week or so after being transported inside. Monitor your tree carefully during this time period and refill the stand with water as needed. Don’t allow the water level to fall below the base of the tree trunk.

Turn down the heat around your tree. Humidity dries out live trees, so display the tree away from heating vents or partially close any nearby heaters.

Sweep up the needles as often as desired. For easiest cleanup of a live shedding tree, keep it on hardwood or linoleum floors and simply sweep the needles as they accumulate on the floor. For trees that must be stored on carpet, consider laying out a tree skirt or other form of protection underneath the tree to make cleanup easier.