Season Begins
Black Friday, November 29th
9AM - 5PM
Season Begins Black Friday, November 29th 9AM - 5PM
  • (810) 687-2476
  • runyanstreefarm19@gmail.com

Tips for Ultimate Success with your Real Christmas Tree

Once you have picked your perfect Christmas tree, knowing how to care for it and keep it fragrant once decorated is a talent that eludes many. 

Here are a few tips to help you reach success with your Real Christmas Tree.

1. Measure Your Space Before You Buy

Before heading out to the farm, be sure to take note of what tree size will fit in your house. Start by measuring the height of your ceiling. Things to remember is your total height will need to include your tree stand, tree, and tree topper (star, angel, or the like).

Next, clear the space where your tree will stand and measure the depth. Each tree will have a varying girth, so you want to be sure you won’t be squishing any of its branches against the wall.

Lastly, take note of your stand size. Can it fit the trunk of your tree comfortably? If you’re looking to size up in your tree be sure your stand can hold the extra weight upright.

2. Get a Fresh Cut Christmas Tree

Cutting the end off your tree trunk is a crucial step in ensuring the tree can deliver water to its branches. After every tree is cut on the farm, a small fresh cut is added before the tree is wrapped. In most cases this is adequate and will not have to be repeated. However, if you are traveling and the tree does not end up in its final resting place within four hours, the trunk will glaze over with new pitch and won’t take up water. You. may need to make an additional fresh cut.

3. Acclimate Your Tree

Your tree experiences a lot of stress on the day it is cut. To better prepare it for the sudden change in temperature from the farm to your home, it is generally recommended to not place your tree directly inside on the first day. If a space with in-between temperature is available, such as a garage or covered porch, we recommend letting your tree rest on its stand there for a a day or two before bringing it inside.

4. Placing Your Christmas Tree on a Stand

Now comes the task of fitting your tree into the stand. Stands purchased from Runyan’s Country Tree Farm have a center spike that fits into the drilled hole in your trees trunk. Other stands have small prongs in the bottom that screw around the base of your tree to center it.

While the tree is still wrapped in twine, place it on its side and position the tree stand on the trunk. Use of a rubber mallet can be helpful to ease the spike into the tree.

Carefully stand your tree vertically and take notice if it is leaning one way or the other. Rotate the tree as needed around its spike or within its prongs until it stands centered. Once satisfied, tighten your screw prongs, if applicable.  Be mindful of were you  place your tree and be sure to  avoid placing your tree directly near heating vents. 

5. Add Lots of Clean Water

Once your tree is standing tall, add clean water, a LOT of clean water. In the first few days, your tree will consume more water as it adjusts to your home.  Some growers recommend using warm or hot water with the first watering, so that it warms the pitch/sap and opens the pores of the trees. 

The actual amount a tree drinks will vary, so be vigilant not only in the first couple days but everyday that your tree is up.

It is important to never let the water drop below the cut end of the trunk. If this happens, the tree will form new pitch which will seal off the tree’s ability to absorb any water.

We recommend not only keeping your water clean and fresh, but also adding plant food(Tree-Life) into the water. When added at the recommended mix ratio, the nutrients will help the needles on your tree stay fresher and more fragrant throughout the holiday season. Typically, fir trees will have better needle retention than spruce trees.

6. Decorate Your Christmas Tree Safely

Now that your tree is upright and hydrated, cut and remove the twine bailing material and spread out the branches. Most trees take a few hours to settle and completely open up. Waiting to decorate during this time is advised. While waiting, check your Christmas lights thoroughly for trouble spots. As Christmas trees are VERY flammable, ensuring your lights are in working order is imperative. In addition, never put a tree near a fireplace or lighted candles.

7. Dispose of Your Tree Responsibly

There are a few different ways to recycle your Christmas Tree after the holidays. One way is to cut  it up and put it in your compost piles.  Running it through a chipper to make mulch is another great option  and your garden or summer plants will. love it! If you need to throw it away, consider gifting it to a local zoo or farm. Many animals either eat trees or play with them as a form of enrichment. Another way to enrich an animal’s life with a tree is adding it into your pond. This creates a habitable space for fish and pond life. Finally, if tossing it to the curb is the only option available to you, check with your county – most schedule days for tree pickup. However, please be sure to check with them about any un-organic material such as disposable bags, as most counties will not accept them. 
  • 10235 N Webster Rd, Clio, MI 48420
  • (810) 687-2476
  • runyanstreefarm19@gmail.com
  • Hours

9AM – 5PM

12PM – 5PM

9AM – 5PM

12PM – 5PM

9AM – 5PM

Black Friday – Sunday, December 1st

Thursday, December 5th – Friday December 6th PRECUT ONLY

Saturday, December 7th – Sunday, December 8th

Thursday, December 12th – Friday, December 13th PRECUT ONLY

Friday, December 14th – Saturday, December 15th