Tips for Proper Storage of your Artificial Pre Lit Christmas Tree



Posted: Monday, June 19, 2006

by
Christmas Tree For Me

What is the Concern?

To retain shape and luster, Artificial Christmas trees must be properly cared for during the off season. There is a simple five step process to preserve a pre lit artificial Christmas tree.

1. Fix those Lights

The goal is to locate and replace any burned out lights. Turn on the lights on the tree. Starting at the top, trace the wire for the light string and make sure each light is functioning. If you find a non-working light, immediately replace the bulb. If you run out of bulbs, then mark the non-working light with brightly color string or tape for replacement when you get more bulbs.

2. Un-Shape Tree

The goal is to compress the branches of the tree in an orderly fashion to preserve the lights, needles and branches. To help understand what we are working with, look at the bottom row of branches on the tree. For a 7.5’ tree, there is usually 6-8 main branches attached to the center pole. Each of these main branches have baby branches attached. Below, we discuss how to fold the baby branches back to the main branch. This is why we call it un-fluffing. When you put the tree up, you fluffed or styled the tree to make it full and pretty. Now we want to make it skinny.

Starting at the outer, top of the tree, carefully fold the baby branches toward the larger main branches. Work your way around the top branches and then move down to the next row of branches until the entire tree is un-fluffed.

3. Disassembly

Remove the top section of the tree. Turn the top upside down and gently press the branches toward the center pole. Lay the top on its side out of the way for a moment. (don’t put it in the bag / box yet)
Remove the center section(s) of the tree. Turn the section(s) upside down and gently press the branches toward the center pole. Lay the middle section(s) on their side out of the way for a moment. (don’t put it in the bag / box yet)

Loosen the bolts on the tree stand and remove the bottom section. Turn the bottom section upside down and gently press the branches toward the center pole.
If you have a strong twine or cloth covered bungee cords, it is a good idea to wrap the bottom and middle sections with twine or bungee cord to further compress the tree. You do not want to make it too tight but just a little compression makes the next step easier.

4. Placement in Box or Bag

The last step is to place the tree in a box or Christmas tree storage bag. Should you store the tree in the original box or a Christmas tree storage bag? The best answer is both. Buy the storage bag, put the tree in the storage bag and then put the bag in the box. Many people store their trees in the attic. It is much easier to get the tree in the attic when the tree is in
the hard sided box. The tree bag protects the tree against the elements and dust.

Place the bottom section into the box / bag first.
If you still have the plastic end cap, place it over the end which goes in the
tree stand. The cap will help prevent this pointed end from going through the
side.

Position the bottom section so the pointed end of the center pole is in the middle of the bag and the non-pointed end is at one end of the box/bag or the other.
Position the middle section so the widest part of the section is at the other end of the box/bag.

Position the top section, tree stand and any other parts in the middle of the box / bag.

5. Where to store the Christmas Tree Bag or Box

The following are the general guidelines when storing an artificial Christmas tree. Frosted, flocked or white Christmas trees are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. These types of trees discolor rapidly in hot and humid storage conditions.
Temperature – 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal


Humidity – Keep it as low as possible, particularly in coastal states.
Protect from rodents.

Conclusion

If properly cared for, your artificial Christmas tree should last at least 10 years.


Jennifer Landers is a Christmas designer at Christmas Tree For Me. To learn more from Jennifer, please visit our Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide. Otherwise, call 877-241-3593 or email service@ChristmasTreeForMe.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Anonymous
 5 years 35 days ago.
Great tips - we have not taken this kind of care, but will now. Thanks
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