How to Fix a Crooked Artificial Christmas Tree
Christmas is one of the most awaited holidays for people of all ages. Those who celebrate it are looking forward to it every year! Christmas is a celebration that brings warmth to everyone's cold December weather and gives us time to spend with our family and friends.
Putting up Christmas tree decorations and hanging Christmas lights are some of the most obvious signs that the Christmas season is approaching. People start decorating their houses with ornaments, tinsel, and of course, the essential: their Christmas tree.
However, it isn't unusual to run into a few problems when you're getting your artificial Christmas tree out of storage. Our guide at Christmas Tree World explains how you can fix a crooked tree and how to store your tree to avoid damage.
Dealing with a crooked artificial Christmas tree
If you're one of the many who use an artificial Christmas tree, you'll understand the joy of quickly setting up your tree in time for the festive period. However, problems can sometimes show up when you are almost done putting the tree together. Many people who have older artificial Christmas trees may notice that their tree starts leaning or becomes crooked over time.
A crooked tree can cause you to panic, but there's no need to worry! It's something anyone can fix and you'll have a perfectly decorated Christmas tree up in no time.
In the same way as real Christmas trees, artificial ones require some attention and caring too. If you're dealing with a crooked tree, here's what you can do to mend it.
Find out the reason why it is leaning or crooked
It's important to be aware of what's causing the tree to lean or stand crooked in the first place. Doing this helps you to come up with the appropriate solution. Some common reasons artificial trees lean include the following.
- The artificial tree is old
- The ground where it is situated is uneven
- The stand beneath the tree has issues
Once you've discovered the root cause, it's time to fix it. It's normal for artificial Christmas trees to be crooked because of their age. As time passes, the screws around the trees eventually loosen, making it hard to keep the tree upright.
If the issue lies on the ground level, one quick and reliable fix is to cut a few pieces of cardboard (or anything of similar material) and place it under the leg where the stand is uneven.
If the problem is in the stand under the tree itself, you can buy new tree stands to correct it. Make sure you choose one compatible with your tree and one that is stable, sturdy, and will function for a long time.
Check the screws, trunk, and tree stand
Another common factor that can make your tree crooked is the various parts of the tree. Double-check the screws are tight in every area because a loose screw can make the tree unstable, especially for bigger trees which are often heavier. Furthermore, check the stand to ensure there are no other objects around or inside the stand. It should only contain screws and the tree stump.
Position your tree in a location where it fits properly
Where you place your tree greatly affects how well it will stand. Therefore, providing enough space to meet its height and width is essential. It would also be best to verify that no other items will impact the location of your tree, such as furniture.
Make a few more necessary adjustments
Some fixes can impact the aesthetic of your tree, especially if the tree is in a noticeable spot. If you add items to help your tree stand, you can cover them up with presents or paint them to match the tree. Adding a Christmas tree skirt to hide the base part is also a good option.
5 steps to stabilise your artificial Christmas tree
There are a few ways to stabilise your older artificial Christmas tree and make sure it is strong enough to hold your Christmas decorations. Materials you'll need include:
- Tree stand
- Ceiling hook
- Tape measure
- Magazines
- Bucket
- Wire or twine
- Cutter or pliers
Step 1:
Purchase a tree stand that accommodates the tree you have if you don't already have one. Finding a suitable stand requires getting the correct size and checking its sturdiness. All of our trees at Christmas Tree World come with the perfect sturdy stand to match the size and height of your tree.
Step 2:
Before assembling your artificial tree, measure the height of the area where you plan to place it. Check if the branches will also fit in the allocated space. If not, you might need to reconsider where you want to put your tree. The best way to ensure your tree fits is to measure the space before buying.
Step 3:
Checking that screws are tight while assembling your artificial tree makes it easier to address any loose screws early on. Doing this will avoid problems and keep it upright, preventing the tree from falling over.
Step 4:
If you have a tall artificial Christmas tree, it might be better to anchor it to the ceiling. This is highly recommended for those who have pets around the house. Anybody can do this by installing a ceiling hook and tying the top of the tree using a wire or twine.
Step 5:
If you can't find a new stand, use pieces of wood as a tree stand alternative to hold the base securely. Again, make sure that you've kept everything even to avoid it from getting crooked.
How to store your artificial Christmas tree
Storage is one of the most significant factors which can cause your artificial Christmas tree's quality to diminish over time. If you want to keep your tree for many years and make the most of your 10-year guarantee, it's essential to store it correctly once the festivities are over.
Store your tree securely in a Christmas tree bag
The most important step in storing your Christmas tree is protecting it from dust and damage. Once it's nicely folded and wrapped, place your tree in a Christmas tree storage bag or back into the original box. This ensures your tree has enough space without being cramped, protecting the foliage for another year. Following these simple tips keeps your tree safe and ready for use next year.
Put your tree away carefully
Carefully disassembling your tree is not enough. You also need to make sure the branches are folded up correctly and not left in a mess. Neglecting your branches in this way can lead to crookedness. Folding an artificial tree may not be the most fun task, but the results are well worth taking your time.
Wrap it up
Artificial tree owners often skip this step and just put the tree in a box right after folding. What makes this essential is that it keeps your tree in the same quality as when you put it up.
If you aren't using a zip-up Christmas tree bag, elements such as moisture, dust, and humidity can affect your tree. If you don't have a cover particularly made for it, you can use some cloth or plastic to wrap your tree in before putting it into the box.
Make the most of your festive season!
Decorating your tree and putting gifts under a Christmas tree completes the holiday spirit. If you notice that your existing tree is crooked, try doing some DIY fix to save it. Once you've successfully straightened out your crooked artificial tree, it's time to design it. Have fun playing around with ornaments and lights to follow your theme if you have one.
However, if this doesn't work, you can always buy a brand new tree! Take a look through our Christmas tree shop and marvel at our extensive range of trees, from magical fibre optic Christmas trees to traditional artificial Christmas trees.
