Real Christmas trees are still more popular in German households than artificial ones. It doesn't surprise us either, because the natural look and, above all, the scent they give off make the whole Christmas season even more special. So now it's standing there in all its glory, with the most beautiful Christmas decorations, and you notice: the Christmas tree needs needles. What's the best thing to do now?
Is this at all worrying or actually normal? And is there any way to prevent this?
It depends on the quantity
First of all: There is no such thing as a Christmas tree that doesn't need needles. But how strongly a Christmas tree needs needs depends on the species and on the location conditions and care.
So falling needles are not immediately problematic. It is normal for some to fall from the branches over time. Eventually they are no longer supplied with nutrients and water. But if the tree even seems to be becoming bare, you should do something. After all, constant vacuuming or sweeping is anything but contemplative and pleasant.
The Christmas tree is needling – what can you do (also preventatively)?
It's best to start preparing before you bring the tree indoors. Afterwards, proper care is also important, just as you would care for your cut flowers. What needs to be taken into account?
1. The right type of fir tree
Yes, just the type of fir tree you have can influence how many needles you will collect over the course of the Christmas season. In fact, there are those who are more prone to losing them, while others are more robust in this regard.
Which Christmas tree doesn't need needles or hardly needs them at all? You will receive an overviewin this post.
2. The fresher, the better
As you can imagine, the longer the fir tree has been separated from its roots, the more needles fall off. If you have decided on a felled tree, it would be best if you left it wholefreshly cut yourself. Then you have more time until the first needles fall off.
If this is not possible because only trees that have already been felled are sold in your area, first ask the seller. Secondshake the treedefinitely before you buy it. If needles are already falling off, you can assume that the Christmas tree has been standing for some time and the needles in your home will become even worse.
Of course, choosing one would be optimalTree in a pot/with root ball. You can care for this throughout the winter like a normal potted plant and later plant it outdoors. This Christmas tree also needles a bit, which is mainly a result of the unusual temperatures in the room and the change in temperature (when you bring it from outside to inside). However, this is limited.
You can find out how to properly care for the potted fir treein this article.
3. Give water before putting up the Christmas tree or not?
If you don't put up a felled tree straight away, you should prepare it well and store it properly:
- The first thing you should do is put the future Christmas tree in the water.
- Store it in a cool, but not cold, dry place out of direct sunlight until you bring it indoors.
- Before setting it up, cut about 3 cm off the trunk.
4. Christmas tree needles badly indoors - what is the reason and what can you do?
If it is too warm, too dry or draughty, the pine needles will fall sooner or later. Accordingly, it is important to prevent exactly that.
- Regardless of whether it is felled or in a pot: a real Christmas tree always needs water. As a potted plant, it is easy to water. The collecting plate is well suited if you want to water the Christmas tree, because the tree can suck out as much water as it needs. When the tree is cut, a special Christmas tree stand that can hold water is perfect.
- The fir tree loses needles when it is too warm. The tree should therefore not be placed next to a heater, too close to a stove or in the wind from the air conditioning system. Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
- Choose the right fairy lights. Yes, it can also cause needling, namely if it radiates a lot of heat and thereby heats up the branches. Shorter fairy lights, which you can combine as needed, generate less heat than a very long one, for example.
- If you frequently ventilate, consider a location for the Christmas tree that is not affected by drafts.
How long does a Christmas tree last?
If you keep the Christmas tree fresh, as described above, it will easily survive the Advent and Christmas seasons and probably even beyond. In general, the Christmas tree has a shelf life of around 5 weeks. With the right preparation and care, you could even make the Christmas tree last longer.
If you notice prematurely that the tree is losing an increasing number of needles and that they are even turning brown, it is important to act quickly. Once the pine needles turn brown, you will not be able to save them and the tree will become bare. However, you can then still prevent further needles from entering.
