Bringing home a fresh Christmas tree is one of the happiest moments of the season. The scent, the lush branches, and the sparkle of lights instantly make your home feel festive. But where you place your tree can determine how long it stays green, hydrated, and safe.

A few simple choices can help your tree look its best right through to Christmas Day.  Here’s where not to put your tree – and smart alternatives that keep it thriving. 

Read more: How to clean your Christmas ornaments

Keep your tree away from heat

It may be tempting to set your tree next to the fireplace or close to a heater to create that cosy Christmas look, but warm air is the fastest way to dry out a fresh tree. Heat pulls moisture from the needles and trunk, leaving branches brittle and increasing fire risk. Even a sunny window can cause the tree to dry quicker than expected, especially during hot South African summers.  

Why heat is a problem

Warm areas cause the tree to lose water faster than it can replace it. Once the base dries out, the tree struggles to take up water again – leading to drooping branches, needles on the floor, and a tree that looks tired long before the holiday arrives. 

Avoid bright, direct light

South-facing windows or any spot that receives strong sunlight should be avoided. The heat from the sun warms the branches and accelerates drying, even if the rest of the room feels cool. Direct light can also fade ornaments and cause delicate decorations to warp. 

Skip busy walkways

Your tree should never sit in high-traffic areas like passageways or close to doors. Constant brushing past branches can break off needles, knock ornaments loose, or even pull the tree off balance. A tree that gets bumped repeatedly will dry out faster and look scruffy before its time. 

Don’t hide it where you’ll forget it

Placing the tree too far out of sight – such as in a rarely used room – may seem practical, but it makes daily care easy to overlook. Fresh trees need steady attention, especially when it comes to water. If your tree isn’t somewhere you naturally walk past each day, it’s more likely to suffer from dehydration.  

So where should your tree go?

Choose a cool, shaded spot away from heaters, fireplaces, strong sunlight, and air vents. An interior wall works well, as temperatures tend to be more consistent. A steady, moderate indoor climate helps your tree stay lush for longer. 

Make sure the space allows the tree to stand securely without blocking walkways or crowding furniture. You want it to feel like a feature – not an obstacle.  

Tips to keep your tree fresh all season

A healthy tree starts with good care from the moment it arrives home: 

Give the base a fresh cut: Trim a thin slice off the bottom before placing it in the stand. This helps the tree absorb water easily. 

Keep the stand full: Check the water level every day. Fresh trees drink more than you’d expect – sometimes nearly a full litre per day. 

Stick to plain tap water: No need for sugar, additives, or old-school tricks. Simple, clean water keeps the tree hydrated without encouraging mould. 

Mist occasionally: A light spritz helps maintain humidity and slows down needle drop, especially during hot, dry spells. 

Placing your Christmas tree thoughtfully makes all the difference. Keep it cool, keep it watered, and keep it away from heat – and you’ll enjoy a gorgeous, glowing centrepiece all season long. 

ALSO SEE: A NO-FUSS GUIDE TO PUTTING UP (AND DECORATING) YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

A no-fuss guide to putting up (and decorating) your Christmas tree