Many households would like to put up their Christmas tree as early as the first Sunday of Advent . With the right variety, a fresh cut, a constant supply of water and a cool location, it can be kept fresh much longer, until Christmas Eve .
Choosing the right tree is crucial. In Germany, the Nordmann fir is still the best-selling variety; it is considered relatively long-lasting because of its soft, firmly attached needles. Freshness can be judged by flexible, non-brittle needles and a light-coloured trunk end with no resin. When buying, ask where it comes from and when it was felled; locally felled trees are often cut late in the year and are therefore fresher.
Before putting the tree up, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk: remove two to three centimetres so that the conducting tissue can absorb water properly again. Then place the tree in a sturdy Christmas tree stand with a water reservoir and fill the basin completely to start with. In a heated home, larger trees can use up to two litres of water a day. Tap water is sufficient; additives such as sugar, aspirin or tree-care products are unnecessary, according to horticultural advice.
How the tree is stored before decorating has a major effect on how long it lasts. Keep it outside in a cool, sheltered place for as long as possible, for example on a balcony or in a garage, and bring it into the heated room only shortly before putting it up. A sudden change from cold to high temperatures encourages needle drop. Choose a cool, bright spot indoors, away from radiators and the fireplace; dry, warm air speeds up drying.
Practical advice from horticultural associations and chambers of agriculture: Remove the net only immediately before decorating so the branches can unfurl gently. Check the water level every day and top it up; the base of the trunk should never be left dry. If the tree has been without water for a few days, making a short fresh cut may improve water absorption. Different rules apply to trees with root balls: keep them as cool as possible, water sparingly and do not leave them in heated rooms for long periods, to avoid damaging the plant.
A Christmas tree put up early can stay presentable until Christmas Eve if it is bought fresh, given a proper fresh cut, regularly watered with tap water and kept in a cool place. This advice is based on current recommendations from the German horticultural sector (as at 10 November 2026).
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).