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Planting & Growing
How to plant and grow chrysanthemum
How to care for and keep your Christmas tree alive
There's nothing like celebrating the festive season with a real Christmas tree. Here's how to make sure your tree lasts all the way to Christmas Day and beyond.
Choosing the right Christmas tree
The size, shape and appearance of your Christmas tree is important, but it's worth taking a closer look at the overall health of the tree first. A good indicator is the needles, you want to see a lot of green and very few brown. If you run a few branches through your hands, the needles should feel flexible and not just drop off. Try to pick a tree that's been kept in a nice shady spot out of the sun.
Placing your Christmas tree
When you get your Christmas tree home, cut roughly 2.5cm off the bottom of the trunk. This will get rid of any dried resin that could stop the tree from absorbing water. Fill your stand with at least a litre of water for every 2.5cm of the trunk's diameter. Then place it away from direct heat or sunlight as this will lead to your tree drying out quicker.
Watering the Christmas tree
Most people will buy their Christmas tree three to four weeks before Christmas Day, so it's important to keep them watered. The base of the tree should always be submerged and continually topped up to prevent the tree from drying out and dying.
How long does a Christmas tree last?
If your tree is replenished with water regularly, it should last four to six weeks.
Some people swear that adding sugar to the water helps keep the tree fresh so feel free to give that a go. In our experience, plain water is just as effective. Treat your Christmas tree the same way you would a fresh bunch of cut flowers and it should last the entire festive season.
Get the presents ready
For some ideas about what to put under your tree, take a look at our Christmas Gift Guide for some great selections from Bunnings.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.