How to Place Christmas Trees on Hardwood Floors
The fresh green scent of a Christmas tree conjures up magical Christmas memories, but can also bring less than merry memories of water damage, sap stains, or deep scratches on your hardwood floor. You spend the time choosing the perfect tree, adding the perfect lights and decorations, and taking the perfect Christmas photo. Spend just a little more time planning and you can keep your hardwood floors as flawless as a freshly fallen Christmas snow.
Assembly
Sweep and clean the floor where you plan to place the tree. Debris trapped under the tree can grind into the floor and cause damage.
Fold an old sheet into a size slightly larger than the tree stand or purchase a tree stand mat. Arrange the sheet on the spot where you will place the tree. Cut or fold a plastic tablecloth to fit the size of the folded sheet, and place onto the sheet. Place the tree stand on top of the sheet and plastic.
- The fresh green scent of a Christmas tree conjures up magical Christmas memories, but can also bring less than merry memories of water damage, sap stains, or deep scratches on your hardwood floor.
Cut any netting or twine from the Christmas tree.
Shake your Christmas tree gently before bringing it into the house and comb your fingers through the branches to dislodge any loose needles.
Insert the base of the tree into the extra large trash bag and pull the sides of the bag up as far over the branches as it will go.
Carry the tree into the house with one person supporting the trunk end and the other supporting the top of the tree.
Cut the plastic bag off the tree with scissors and set the trunk of the tree into the stand. Tighten the braces, if any.
Pull the folded sheet under the tree stand while another person holds the tree steady to adjust the position of the tree without scratching the floor.
- Cut any netting or twine from the Christmas tree.
- Shake your Christmas tree gently before bringing it into the house and comb your fingers through the branches to dislodge any loose needles.
Fill the tree stand base with water with a plastic pitcher or watering can.
Cover the sheet and plastic with a decorative tree skirt, sheet or tablecloth.
Sweep or vacuum the area around the tree thoroughly, removing fallen pine needles and other debris that can damage floors. Continue to sweep or vacuum daily while the tree is in your home.
Remove the tree by pulling the folded sheet and dragging the entire tree and stand to the doorway before lifting the tree from the stand. Siphon the water from the tree stand base first if desired.
Tip
Wrap the entire tree in sheets or tablecloths, pinning them closed, to move the tree up or down stairs or longer distances without dripping tree sap on hardwood floors.
Place an artificial tree on a blanket spread on the floor to guard against accidental scratches while you put it together. Set the tree on a folded sheet or decorative tree skirt to protect the floor from the stand.
Move larger trees indoors with the help of a bath mat. Place the bath mat, rubber side up, just inside your front door, and set the trunk of the tree on it. Slide the tree on the mat to though the house to dislodge less needles and eliminate the risk of dropping it.
Warning
Always put a waterproof barrier between the tree stand and the floor.
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Writer Bio
Emmy-award nominated screenwriter Brynne Chandler is a single mother of three who divides her time between professional research and varied cooking, fitness and home & gardening enterprises. A running enthusiast who regularly participates in San Francisco's Bay to Breakers run, Chandler works as an independent caterer, preparing healthy, nutritious meals for Phoenix area residents.
