Christmas Tree Collar vs Tree Skirt: Wicker, Metal or Wood?

A Christmas tree collar is a good alternative to a tree skirt if you want a tidy base that keeps its shape year after year. Collars are rigid rings of metal, wood or woven fiber that hide the stand and keep a crisp edge. On a real tree, choose one that still lets you reach the water every day.

How a Christmas tree collar differs from a tree skirt

A Christmas tree collar is a rigid ring that stands up around the base of the tree, while a tree skirt is a circle of fabric that lies flat around the stand. Retailer King of Christmas describes collars as made from metal, wicker, wood or resin, holding their shape with a crisp edge, and notes that they suit smaller stands and leave the base easy to reach for watering without moving a bulky skirt.

The other difference is space. A collar sits close to the stand, while a skirt spreads out around it. A skirt, in turn, folds flat for storage and leaves a soft spot for wrapped gifts.

Sizing a Christmas tree collar to your stand

Sizing a Christmas tree collar starts with the stand, not the tree. Balsam Hill advises measuring the diameter of the tree base, including the stand, and adding 2.5 inches. Its size guide is a useful starting point:

Real-tree stands with wide legs need a wider collar than the compact base of many artificial trees. Measure across the legs at their widest point, and check the collar’s height too: it should cover the bowl without hiding the lowest branches. Our Christmas tree stands guide covers stand sizes, and real vs artificial Christmas trees covers the bigger choice of tree.

Wicker, metal or wood tree collars compared

Christmas tree collars come in three main material families, and each lasts differently.

Metal collars. Galvanized steel, painted steel and brass are common. Crate and Barrel, among other home retailers, sells brass collars, and galvanized collars often come in sections that join together. Metal wipes dry after a spill, and a sectioned collar packs flatter for storage.

Woven collars. Wicker, rattan, seagrass and similar weaves give a basket look. Natural fibers dislike dry heat. Furniture maker Fritz Hansen notes that wicker dries out in low humidity, including rooms with central heating, and that dry wicker hardens and can break, so keep a woven collar away from heat vents and fireplaces.

Wood collars. Wooden collars come as crates, slats or barrel staves. Like any wood, they do best kept dry; a tray under a real-tree stand stops spills from marking the bottom edge.

Using a Christmas tree collar with a real tree

A Christmas tree collar on a real tree must leave room to water. The National Christmas Tree Association advises checking the stand daily so the water level never drops below the base of the tree; with many stands, there can still be water in the bowl after the trunk’s base is no longer under it. A closed ring that sits tight around the stand makes that daily check harder. Our real Christmas tree care guide covers the rest.

Look for one of these designs:

• A collar in two halves or sections that come apart.
• A collar with a gap or a lower front edge where a watering can spout fits.
• A collar wide enough to leave a hand’s width between it and the stand.

Choosing a Christmas tree collar that lasts

A Christmas tree collar is a decoration bought for many seasons, so build quality matters more than trend. Check how sections join, whether the finish is painted or plated, and whether the collar comes apart for storage. A collar also works for any tree you choose later, including the alternative Christmas trees made of wood or driftwood that have a base to hide.

Pair it with ornaments that last as long; our guide to wooden and felt ornaments covers plastic-free options. For the rest of the season, start at the eco-friendly Christmas hub.