Christmas wreath aftercare is the difference between a wreath that looks beautiful for six weeks and one that starts to struggle by mid-December. The good news is that fresh noble fir is one of the most resilient wreath foliage varieties available, and with straightforward care it will reward you well beyond Christmas Day. This guide covers everything; from the moment your wreath arrives to what to do with it in January.
The answer is simpler than most people think. Follow a few basic rules around positioning, moisture and heat, and your noble fir wreath will look stunning from the moment it arrives right through to the new year.
Fresh Christmas wreaths from Lower Hope Festive are made to order and dispatched in protective packaging to arrive in excellent condition. When your wreath arrives, there are a few simple things to do before hanging it.
Where you hang your wreath has the single biggest effect on how long it lasts. Noble fir handles cold, damp outdoor conditions exceptionally well. It is warm, dry indoor conditions and direct sunlight that cause the most damage.
Fresh foliage needs moisture to stay looking its best. A light mist of water every two to three days makes a significant difference to how long your wreath holds its needles and maintains its colour.
Use a standard pump-action plant mister. Focus on the back of the wreath rather than the front, as this allows moisture to reach the stem ends where it is most needed. A fine mist is sufficient. Do not soak the wreath or allow water to pool in any decorative elements.
Tip:
Mist in the morning rather than the evening so any excess moisture evaporates during the day. Moisture sitting on foliage overnight in cold conditions can occasionally encourage mould on very dense wreaths.
Understanding how a noble fir wreath changes over the season helps you know what is normal and when to take action.
For a more detailed breakdown of what affects longevity week by week, read our guide on how long a fresh Christmas wreath lasts.
The same principles apply to fresh Christmas garlands and mantles and swags, with one additional consideration: indoor foliage dries faster than outdoor foliage because of central heating.
Garlands on a staircase bannister or mantelpiece should be misted every one to two days rather than every two to three days. Keep them away from radiators and fireplaces wherever possible. A garland draping close to a working fireplace will last two to three weeks at most. One in a cool hallway away from heat sources can look excellent for five weeks or more.
Needles dropping heavily in the first week
This is unusual for noble fir and most often indicates the wreath was subjected to heat or very dry conditions in transit or immediately after arrival. Mist thoroughly, move to a cooler position, and the rate of needle loss should slow considerably.
Foliage yellowing or browning
Yellowing is usually caused by heat or lack of moisture. Move the wreath to a cooler, shadier position and increase misting frequency. Some browning at the very tips of branches after four or five weeks is normal and does not affect the overall appearance of the wreath significantly.
Decorations becoming loose
As the foliage contracts slightly over the season, decorations can occasionally work loose. Press pine cones, berries or other elements back into position gently. A small piece of florist wire can be used to resecure anything that will not stay in place.
Fresh Christmas wreaths are fully natural and completely compostable. When you take your wreath down, usually in the first two weeks of January, remove any wire, ribbon, pine cones or other non-organic decorations first. The foliage can then go straight into a garden compost bin or be put out with garden waste.
Noble fir breaks down relatively quickly and adds good organic matter to compost. The dried foliage also makes excellent natural fire starters if you have a log burner or open fire.
For full care guidance on wreaths specifically, read our how to care for a fresh Christmas wreath post.
Mist the back of the wreath with water every two to three days for an outdoor wreath in normal conditions. For an indoor wreath or garland in a heated room, mist every one to two days.
Yes, particularly if your door faces south and gets a lot of winter sun during the day. Bringing the wreath inside at night into a cool, unheated space such as a porch or utility room can significantly extend its life on a south-facing door.
Move it to a cooler position away from any heat source, mist it thoroughly and allow it to stabilise for 24 hours. Noble fir rarely drops heavily if kept in appropriate conditions. Heavy needle loss in the first two weeks usually indicates a heat or moisture problem that can be corrected.
No. Fresh wreaths are designed for a single season. Once the foliage has dried fully it cannot be revived. Compost the foliage at the end of the season and order a fresh wreath the following year for the best results.
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Made to order using sustainably sourced noble fir foliage. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout. Delivered across the UK.
