Are you unknowingly damaging your Christmas tree? Common mistakes include placing it near a heat source or using traditional Christmas lights instead of LED ones.

Remember, being indoors isn't a tree's natural habitat, so there are steps you can take to keep it looking its best throughout December. Daily fresh water and maintaining a consistent temperature are key.

Some suggest adding sugar or bleach to the water to prolong the tree's life and protect against infections, but this is a myth.

Trees simply need a daily supply of fresh water. Anything else is unnecessary and a waste of time.

If you haven't decorated yet, avoid hanging ornaments on weak branches to prevent an uneven look and broken branches.

A fresh water supply

Ensure a daily fresh water supply. Check water levels daily and make sure the trunk is submerged.

Avoid additives

There are myths that items like sugar and bleach should be added to your tree's water to keep it healthier for longer, but this isn't true at all. Fresh water is all you need to sustain a healthy tree.

Keep it away from heat

To maintain a healthy looking tree, you'll want to prevent it from drying out. Signs of a dry tree include brittle branches, needles dropping off and a musty odour.

To prevent this, keep your tree away from any heat sources including radiators and fireplaces. Keep the tree in a room with a consistent temperature between 16C and 18C.

Use LED lights only

LED lights generate less heat than traditional fairy lights, making them a better option to prevent your tree from drying out. They're also much safer and pose less of a fire hazard compared to normal lights.

Check the branches

To avoid any breakage, try not to place any heavy ornaments on particularly weak branches. Even if the branches don't break, you run the risk of your tree looking uneven.

Mist the needles

If the air in your home is dry, consider giving the needles a light mist with water every couple of days to help them retain their moisture. Once your tree is set up, try not to move it around too much.

Avoid moving the tree

Trees are already vulnerable once we've taken them out of their natural and preferred environment and moving them can disrupt their water absorption and could stress any weak branches.