Why Choosing the Right Christmas Tree Stand Matters
Whether for an indoor or outdoor display, a Christmas tree stand is essential in holding your tree upright, preventing it from toppling over, and providing it with fresh water.
Without a Christmas tree stand, a freshly cut live tree would fall over. Live trees need support, as their trunks are not wide enough to support the branches on their own.
The right tree stand also allows the Christmas tree to soak up moisture and keep it hydrated. This prevents the tree from drying out and minimizes needle drop, keeping it fresh long enough to last the entire holiday season.
Key Features to Look for in a Christmas Tree Stand
When choosing the best Christmas tree stand for your home, here are the three key features to consider:
1. Size
Consider the height and diameter of the trunk of your Christmas tree when choosing a tree stand. For taller trees, opt for a stand with a deep base for extra stability.
2. Gripping Mechanism
Most tree stands have screw-in bolts on the sides that grip onto the trunk, while some have central spikes that attach directly to the center of the tree trunk.
If you’re choosing a tree stand with screw-in bolts, check the number of bolts in the basin and the length of each bolt. The number of bolts gives greater customization based on trunk shape, while the length gives more variability on trunk thickness.
Spikes offer more direct stability to the Christmas tree, but they may be more susceptible to being slightly angled when stood up.
3. Water Basin
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, a tree stand should be able to hold one quart of water per inch of the trunk’s diameter. Check if the tree stand you’re considering has enough space to hold that much water.
Types of Christmas Tree Stands
Most tree stands today are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Choosing the right stand makes it easy to set up your Christmas tree.
Pin Style
A pin style Christmas tree stand, also called a drill stand, has a pin or post at the base. It perfectly positions your tree upright and drills a hole up the center of the trunk that aligns with the pin in the stand.
This type of stand is easy to use, making it the perfect tree stand to choose if you’ll be setting up the tree alone. Pin style stands are often found at choose-and-cut farms and some seasonal lots.
Classic or Traditional With Eye Bolts
This type of tree stand may be the most common – and perhaps most feared. Classic or traditional stands with eye bolts usually have four or five eye bolts or screws surrounding the large water basin that secure the tree.
Most newer eye bolt stands have plastic water basins and better water-holding capacity compared to their older cousins, which have shallow basins made of metal, usually aluminum.
Clamps or Claws
Clamp or claw stands are newer styles that grip the tree trunk with clamps that are tightened by stepping on a ratcheting foot pedal.
This is also ideal for a one-person job because the clamps make it so easy to secure and set up the tree. Clamp stands may be a little more expensive than more traditional stands, but they last longer.
Heavy Duty Steel Stand
If you have a large Christmas tree, this is the perfect stand for you. Heavy-duty steel stands tend to be a bit pricey, but they are built for the long haul.
This type of tree stand secures the Christmas tree with T-handle bolts (similar to the traditional eye bolt stands) and features legs that extend out from the stand, providing a sturdy base for your tree.
The Top 10 Christmas Tree Stands for 2024
The best Christmas tree stands are sturdy, with secure screws for a perfect fit, and can hold plenty of water to keep your Christmas tree well-hydrated and fresh throughout the holidays.
Below is our list of the top Christmas Tree Stands for 2024:
Best Overall | Krinner Tree Genie XXL |
Best for Large Trees | Jack-Post Welded Steel Stand |
Best Rotating Stand | Home Heritage Electric Rotating Stand |
Best Artificial Christmas Tree Stand | National Tree Company Folding Stand |
Best Decorative Stand | Vickerman Gold Metal Tree Stand |
Best Budget Pick | Cinco C-144E Express Stand |
Best With Water Reservoir | Good Tidings Tree Stand With Water Reservoir |
Most Durable | Goliath Welded Steel Stand |
Best for Small Trees | Goliath Jr. Tree Stand |
Best for Quick Setup | Omega Tree Stand |
How to Set Up Your Christmas Tree Stand Properly
Before you put your Christmas tree in the stand, two things you need to do are:
1. Cut the bottom of the tree
Cutting around an inch off the bottom of the trunk removes the sap that will have hardened at the end of the stump to heal the wound caused by cutting the tree down. This will allow your tree to absorb more water.
2. Remove loose needles
Next, give your tree a good shake before taking it inside to remove any loose needles.
Setting Up the Christmas Tree Stand
Christmas tree stands are generally straightforward to set up, but you might need someone to help you, especially if you have a tall tree.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up your Christmas tree stand:
- Choose the perfect spot for your Christmas tree and place the stand flat on the floor.
- Loosen any screws or clamps, leaving a gap wider than the trunk of the tree.
- Position the Christmas tree upright into the middle of the stand and slide it down into place.
- Take a step back and check if the tree is standing straight.
- Keep holding the tree upright as the screws or clamps get tightened up.
- Let go of the tree and check it feels sturdy and stable.
- Fill the Christmas tree stand with water.
Maintenance Tips for Your Christmas Tree Stand
Proper and regular cleaning is necessary to keep your Christmas tree stand in good condition and free from rust.
To clean your tree stand, use a duster or dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down. Check the tree stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of your tree.
Style and Design: Choosing a Stand to Complement Your Decor
It is a fact that Christmas tree stands are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. With this, most people cover their stand to make the bottom of their Christmas tree more appealing.
There are many ways to cover your Christmas tree stand. Here are a few suggestions:
- Place the tree in an urn planter
- Use a woven basket tree collar
- Hide the stand in a big wooden barrel
- Build a wooden crate
- Cover the stand in burlap
Conclusion
Choosing the right tree stand is essential for keeping your tree upright and fresh throughout the entire holiday season.
If you have questions about Christmas trees and decorations, we’re just one phone call away! Call us at (310)276–9827 or email us at info@mrgreentrees.com for any inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fresh tree can use up to 1 quart of water per day for each inch of diameter on the cut end. A typical 7-foot-tall tree may have a 3-inch trunk diameter so that it will require up to 3 quarts of water per day.
Placing a non-skid mat underneath your tree stand can help prevent it from scratching your floor.
Yes, especially if your tree is not positioned in the center of the room. A rotating tree stand allows you to see all angles of your artificial tree, so you’re able to see every ornament.