The secret to making a real, freshly cut Christmas Tree stay fresh for weeks is to immerse the base in water immediately on arrival at your destination. Place it in a sturdy watertight bucket that's large enough for the trunk and weighted with bricks. Check the water level daily to make sure it covers the cut end of the trunk. Adding sugar or aspirin to the water doesn't do anything, say tree experts, but half a cup of vinegar will prevent any bacteria from forming and keep the bucket of water you stand it in smelling fresh.
Place the tree indoors away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, heaters, wood stoves and all other heat sources.
You can expect your real Christmas Tree to hold onto its needles and remain fresh for anywhere from three to six weeks.
In a nutshell, treat your real, freshly cut Christmas tree like a giant fresh cut flower!
Traditionally your Christmas décor and real Christmas Tree should be taken down on the 5th of January which is the twelfth day of Christmas. The tree can be left to dry then be chopped up for tinder and firewood for cooler days to come. Alternately it could boost your compost heap.
Wrapping your freshly cut Christmas Tree with a tarpaulin for the trip home if your drive will be more than 10 minutes is advisable. This will prevent the needles from drying out too soon and reduce needle drop.
To order your tree, advise the length of the tree you'd like, sms/whatsapp 072 654 9779 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, the height you'd like your tree to be and preferred date of collection.
Your tree will be cut and ready for collection between 9.00am and 4.00pm on weekdays or on a Saturday by appointment. Collect from 3 Valley Road in Winterskloof, Hilton KZN.
Pricing of real Winterskloof grown Christmas Trees: R300.00 (sizes range from 2m to 3m)
The earthy smell of a real cedar Christmas Tree in your home this year will make your Christmas a whole lot more special!