After the holidays, taking down the Christmas tree is one of the most visible signs that our life and décor are returning to normal. If you have a lifelike tree – as opposed to a fresh cut one– storage is something to think about. We turned to Sandi Ricke, who brings in our collection of stunning lifelike trees, for tips on how to store a tree in a way that preserves its beauty and quality for years to come.
Sandi says that ideally, the best way to store a lifelike tree is to leave it assembled and standing. Of course, a fully fluffed tree requires a dedicated storage area, so this method isn’t a practical solution for everyone. But if you do have that space, the branches and lights will be much less likely to become damaged, and your tree will thank you for it. Simply cover your tree to protect it from dust, and it’ll be ready when the holidays roll around again.
If the tree must come down, there are steps we can take to prevent damage to the branches and lights during the process. Sandi’s first piece of advice is to never attempt to put the tree back in its original box. In the factory, the tree was packed into the box immediately after it was created while its branches were still flat. But once a tree is fluffed out at home, its branches will have to be squeezed and flattened again to make it fit back in the box, and that can cause significant damage to the construction and lights. Instead, Sandi recommends storing your tree in a tree storage bag which we have at the store. As you disassemble your tree, flip each section upside down to let the branches fold in, then lay the section loosely in the bag. A nine-foot slim tree or smaller will fit into one bag, but a tree that’s taller and wider will need two.
Sandi advises that we pay special attention to the lights too. The glass bulbs are fragile, and they can break or twist in the sockets which will stop the flow of electricity through the line. This could leave us with a disappointing surprise to discover when we set the tree up again next year. So, Sandi says to take your time and be careful when stacking the sections in the bag. At your storage space, give the bag its own shelf or make sure it’s the top item in a stack of boxes. And, be gentle during transport – find a buddy to help carry it if you need to. Dragging the bag along the floor or down the stairs is definitely another way to damage the lights.
With some simple precautions, our lifelike trees will continue to provide beauty and enjoyment through years of holiday seasons. If you have more questions about storing your lifelike tree, or you need a storage bag, just ask one of our team members – we’ll be glad to help.
