Artificial Christmas Tree Storage: Make a Tree Last Ten Years

Store an artificial Christmas tree in a durable bag or bin, not its cardboard shipping box, in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight, damp and pests. Compress branches gently, pack pre-lit sections loosely so wires are not crushed, and check every light string before the tree goes back up each year.

Why ten years of storage matters for an artificial tree

An artificial Christmas tree only beats a yearly cut tree on environmental impact if it is kept for many seasons. Estimates of that break-even point vary widely: 4.7 years in a 2018 study commissioned by the American Christmas Tree Association, as described by Michigan State University, and more than 20 years in a study by the Canadian consulting firm Ellipsos, as summarized by Purdue University.

Storage helps decide whether a tree reaches those numbers. Crushed branches, damp and chewed wires are avoidable ways to cut a tree’s life short. Our real vs artificial Christmas tree guide covers who paid for each study and what they measured.

Christmas tree storage bag or box: what to use

A Christmas tree storage bag or a hard bin both beat the original carton. Balsam Hill says cardboard boxes deteriorate and let in dust, mites and pests, which can lead to mold. Bag maker TreeKeeper makes a similar point: a tree squeezed into plastic wrap and a cardboard box rarely fits well and can be damaged.

Fabric weight is worth reading on a bag. Balsam Hill lists its storage bags as 600D polyester with padding, and TreeKeeper lists its Big Wheel duffel as 600D poly-blend. Wheels help if the tree has to travel from a basement or garage.

Packing an artificial Christmas tree for storage

Packing an artificial Christmas tree well takes ten extra minutes and saves the branches. Balsam Hill advises gently compressing the branches of each section with both hands before you take it apart, then squeezing them together and tying the section loosely with a ribbon or cord.

For pre-lit trees, Mac Harman, founder of Balsam Hill and a spokesperson for the American Christmas Tree Association, told Scripps News not to pack sections so tightly that the wires, lights or branches are under stress. Give each section a little room in the bag or box.

1. Unplug the tree and remove every ornament, hook and clip.
2. Wipe off dust before it settles into the bag over the summer.
3. Take sections apart from the top down and fold each one in.
4. Bag the stand and any spare bulbs or fuses together so they do not get lost. If the stand is already lost or bent, see artificial Christmas tree stands or, for one that turns, rotating Christmas tree stands.
5. Label the sections if your tree has more than three.

Where to store an artificial Christmas tree

The best place to store an artificial Christmas tree is cool, dry and dark. Balsam Hill recommends a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent mold and a musty smell, and says to watch for temperature swings and humidity in garages and attics. Harman also advised Scripps News to keep the tree where it will not be run over by a bike or a car.

Checking an artificial tree before it goes back up

Checking an artificial tree each December protects both the tree and your home. The CPSC advises inspecting every light set, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections, and discarding damaged sets. When buying a tree, the CPSC also says to look for a “Fire Resistant” label, which means the tree resists burning, not that it cannot catch fire.

Pack a glass topper in its own box; our guide to vintage Christmas tree toppers covers older ones worth keeping.

A tree that still works but no longer suits you can be donated or passed on, which keeps it in use toward its break-even years. If a light string fails the check, our guide to LED Christmas lights and energy use covers replacements and recycling old strings. For more ways to cut waste across the season, start at the eco-friendly Christmas hub.