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Although an artificial Christmas tree may cost a bit more than a real tree off the bat, it boasts a lifespan of around 10 years (a bit less if it’s fully lighted). So, consumers can consider it an investment and treat is as so when it comes to Christmas tree storage.
According to an annual survey conducted by the American Christmas Tree Association, artificial Christmas trees are quite the crowd pleasers. Of the nearly 96 million U.S. households displaying a Christmas tree in 2019, 81% of those were artificial.
Once you’ve found the artificial Christmas tree of your dreams, you’ll want to know the best Christmas tree storage practices. Proper storage will keep this hero of holiday décor in top form for the duration of its lifespan.
Proper storage can keep your faux tree looking good for the next year. So, we asked a few experts for their tips on how to store a Christmas tree during its seasonal hibernation.
Credit: Reviewed / Mr. Siga / Rayson / Balsam Hill
While cleaning isn't expected to be apart of the storage process, this task preserves the shelf life of your tree.
How you prep your tree for its long aprés-winter nap is just as important as how you store a Christmas tree, according to Lewis Puleo of Puleo International, America’s oldest family-owned artificial Christmas tree company.
“To ensure your tree will be ready for many seasons ahead, it is best to clean your tree at the end of each holiday season after it is taken down and all decorations are removed,” he suggests.
To do so, mix warm water and a little bit of dishwashing soap in a spray bottle to treat stained areas of the tree and wipe down with a soft cloth.
Puleo says, “Allow the tree to dry thoroughly before storing. Even though the tree is artificial, any moisture accumulated during storage can cause some damage.”
Credit: Reviewed / Handry Laundry / West Elm
This reusable storage bag is sure to cut down on unnecessary waste over the years.
Although your artificial tree came in a cardboard box, that's not the best Christmas tree storage. From moisture to mice, cardboard is asking for trouble.
White artificial trees are particularly vulnerable, and they will quickly turn yellow or brown if not properly stored. Green trees can also change color if not protected from the elements. Not to mention mold and dust can accumulate.
Brian Chee of online artificial Christmas tree retailer Treetopia says, “Some of the key things to think about when storing an artificial Christmas tree include the storage vessel you use. We recommend a storage bag made from high-quality and long-wearing materials that offer extra security.”
Puleo agrees. “Use a high quality storage bag with thick material like a durable polyester, to protect from any damage.”
If your tree doesn’t come with its own storage bag, be sure that you have enough bags to accommodate the pieces of your tree once you break them down.
Balsam Hill’s CEO Mac Harman says, “You don’t want to store too much tree in each bag, as you can risk mis-shaping the tree, breaking branches or lights.”
In addition to several traditional faux trees, Balsam Hill sells a “Flip” tree that’s stored in a bag until you “flip” the tree upright.
Buy at Balsam Hill
Lastly, consider where you’re storing your tree when choosing a sturdy bag.
“Roller bags are best for storage on the same floor or in a garage,” says Harman. “The duffel style is easier if you will be carrying your tree to an attic [or basement] for storage.”
This duffle bag made for tree storage from Amazon is a great option that will protect your tree from the basement floor. If you have more vertical space to utilize, swing for an upright Christmas tree storage bag like this one from West Elm.
Buy at Amazon
Buy at West Elm
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When planning how to store a Christmas tree, also consider where. Chee emphasizes that the location of your Christmas tree storage is crucial.
It should go in a climate-controlled area like a storage unit. Plus you want to be able to store the tree upright without getting overly crowded.
Harman notes that this is where storage bags are helpful. Storage bags keep the tree dust-free and protect against a musty smell.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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