Life-Like Tree Care Guide

How To Care For

Your Life-Like Christmas Tree

Once you’ve invested in a quality, life-like Christmas tree, you may be wondering the best way to set it up in your home, so it looks as magical and realistic as it did in the store. You may also want to know how to store your new life-like Christmas tree properly when the season is over, so that it looks just as great next Christmas and for years to come. Follow along for pro tips from Petitti Garden Centers on how to set up, take down, and store your new pre-lit, life-like Christmas tree.

setting up the tree

in 5 easy steps

1. Build It Where It Lives
Build the life-like tree where you ultimately expect to display it, unboxing and sorting sections nearby. Avoid assembling in another spot and moving the tree in its fully assembled state around the home as it is not engineered for this.

2. Process One Section at a Time
Build & shape the tree one section at a time, resisting the temptation to pop all sections together at the start and work with them all at once. By fully processing one section at a time, starting with the bottom piece, you will be much more effective in achieving the desired visual impact.

3. Inspect & Replace Lights
After placing the bottom section (your first section to process) in the stand, plug in its light string and thoroughly inspect. Replace any lights as necessary right then & there to protect the integrity of the string and attentional light strings that will connect as sections are added.

4. Reach for the Sun
When shaping each section, start from the lowest row of branches and from the back inside area closest to the trunk. Lift branches up & out in a fan shape, mimicking an open hand or giving the impression that the branches are growing toward the sun.

5. Assess the Look
As you complete each section, take a pause to step back and assess your work, applying the brief “squint test”. You’ll be able to see if the lights are positioned evenly and with branches you may want to adjust to achieve consistent lighting without holes.

taking down the tree

Make sure the tree is fully undecorated, and inspect it for lights that may have burned out (replace any burnt bulbs at this time).

Start by removing the top section, and gently, slightly fold the branches upward toward the pole. Continue to do the same, folding toward the pole, for each additional section of the tree. Tie up every row or two of branches with a string or cinch strap to ensure the tree sections will be just as easy to set up, unfold, and shape next year. Not too tight, leave a little room to prevent matting. Remove sections until fully unassembled.

Store your tree in a tree storage bag or carton designed for the size of your tree, which is typically slightly larger than the original carton. Take care to not force sections as you pack, so you can avoid matting and breakage. Make sure lights are cool as you pack, leaving them “off” for at least 30 minutes prior to packing up the tree.

 

 

 

cool, dry space

storing the tree

Store the tree as packaged in its properly sized carton/bag in a cool, dry place. A dry basement or a first-floor closet are great options. Always avoid storing pre-lit, life-like Christmas trees in a hot attic or hot garage.

We do not recommend moving assembled trees, or storing assembled trees, as they are not engineered for this.

Explore Life-Like Trees

Search for Your Location

We have ten locations across Northeast Ohio, spanning the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Youngstown communities. Search here to find the location most convenient for you.

Loading Locations...