How to store an artificial Christmas tree

A well-made artificial tree should last ten years or more. Most that fail early were crushed, stored damp or left in a hot loft. Taking the tree down with a little care in January is what keeps it looking new the next November.

Taking the tree down

1. Unplug and remove every decoration, including hooks and stray tinsel, which tangle in the branches.
2. Fold the branches in from the top of each section downwards. On a hinged tree each branch swings down flat against the trunk; do not force one that catches, lift it and try again.
3. Separate the sections and disconnect the plugs between them on a pre-lit tree. Coil the lead loosely; a tight coil strains the wire at the plug.
4. Brush off dust and loose flocking with a soft brush before packing.

Bag or box

The original box protects a tree well for the first year or two, until the cardboard softens. After that a purpose-made tree bag is better: it is breathable, it has handles, and it does not disintegrate. Choose the bag by the tree’s folded size, not its height; a 6ft tree folds to roughly 1.2m by 50cm. Avoid sealed plastic sacks, which trap moisture and can cause mould on the foliage and corrosion on the hinges. The stands and bags page has tree and wreath bags.

Where to keep it

Dry, dark and at a steady temperature. A loft is fine if it is dry and does not bake in summer; heat above about 40°C can soften PVC tips and fade PE foliage, so keep the tree away from the roof felt and off any hot water tank. A garage works if it is dry; a damp garage does not. Under the stairs or in a wardrobe is ideal. Lay the sections flat or stand them upright; do not stack heavy boxes on top.

Pre-lit trees

Keep the transformer and any spare bulbs in the bag with the tree. Before you pack a pre-lit tree, plug it in one last time and note any dark section, so you know what to check next year rather than discovering it on the day.

Flocked and snowy trees

Flocking sheds a little each year. Pack the sections in a bag rather than loose, keep them out of damp, and shape the branches gently when the tree comes out. Expect a light dusting on the floor on assembly; that is the coating settling, not a fault.

When a tree reaches the end

Artificial trees combine PVC or PE foliage, steel wire and sometimes electronics, so they are not accepted in kerbside recycling. A tree in good condition is worth donating or selling. Otherwise, remove the lights and take the tree to a household waste recycling centre, which usually has a bulky waste bay.