The Christmas tree is the star of the house. It decorates, it lights up, it is warm, it welcomes gifts to its feet, and it smells good!
This peculiar smell is synonymous with celebration and it creates memories. But if you pay attention, you will observe from your nurseryman that some fir trees are odorless. And we will understand why.
The nostalgic, invigorating scent of fresh pine is one of the best parts of having a real Christmas tree But sometimes, even with a live tree, your home may not have that delightful Christmas tree smell Why doesn’t my Christmas tree smell?
There are a few reasons your Christmas tree may not be giving off its signature scent. The type of tree, its freshness and care, and environmental factors in your home can all affect how strongly it smells. With a little troubleshooting, you can bring back that magical pine aroma.
Choosing a Fragrant Tree Species
Not all Christmas tree varieties are created equal when it comes to fragrance. The species of tree makes a big difference in intensity and type of smell.
Some popular options like Noble fir Balsam fir and Fraser fir are very aromatic, while others like Douglas fir, Nordmann fir, and Turkish fir tend to have more subtle scents. The strong citrusy, piney oils of firs give them an unbeatable Christmas tree smell.
Within a species, individual trees can vary too. Check for plump, resinous buds as a sign of good fragrance when picking out a tree. Give branches a light rub to release the oils and see how it smells. The stronger the better!
Caring for Your Tree
A fresh, healthy tree will smell better than one that has dried out or isn’t getting proper care. Follow these tips after bringing your tree home:
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Make a fresh cut: Saw off about an inch from the base of the trunk before putting in stand. This opens up the tree’s vessels to absorb water.
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Keep it hydrated: Check water levels daily and refill as needed. A dry tree dries out faster and loses scent.
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Give it space: Position away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents which speed moisture loss.
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Mist it: Lightly misting your tree with water can revive dry needles and refresh scent. Avoid getting lights or ornaments wet.
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Fluff branches: Gently lift and separate branches to allow air circulation, keeping needles fresh.
With good care, your tree could last 4-5 weeks or more before drying out too much.
The Impact of Your Home Environment
The environment around your Christmas tree affects how long it retains its piney scent. Dry, hot air causes a tree to dry out faster, while cool air helps lock in moisture and fragrance.
Here are some tips for your home:
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Use a humidifier to add moisture to overly dry indoor air.
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Keep your home’s temperature moderate. Ideal is around 60-75°F.
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Place your tree away from heating vents, fireplaces, and other heat sources.
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Make sure your tree stand has enough water and check it daily.
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Mist the branches with water occasionally to refresh needles.
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Consider a fragrance diffuser or essential oils to enhance the pine smell.
When Should I Take My Tree Down?
To enjoy your Christmas tree’s fragrance as long as possible, wait to take it down until signs of serious drying appear. Needles start falling off, branches become brittle, and the trunk leaks sap when it’s time.
Most trees last 4-5 weeks with proper care. Some varieties like Fraser fir may go 6-8 weeks in a cool home. If your tree dries out and loses scent sooner, consider a different species next year.
What If My Tree Still Doesn’t Smell?
If your Christmas tree still lacks fragrance after troubleshooting, try these extra tips:
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Shake or fluff branches to release oils – like scratch and sniff!
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Hang pinecones, wreaths, or garland around your tree for extra scent.
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Use pine-scented sprays made for artificial trees. Light misting can help.
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Place small dishes of cinnamon sticks, cloves, pine needles or essential oils near the tree.
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Diffuse pine essential oils like fir needle, balsam, cedarwood, and juniper berry.
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Burn pine scented candles or wax melts to fill the air with that nostalgic Christmas scent.
Enjoy Your Christmas Tree’s Natural Fragrance
A fresh, fragrant Christmas tree fills your home with that delightful scent of the holidays. With the right care and tree choice, you can enjoy weeks of beautiful aroma. Pay attention to the tree’s species, freshness, moisture, and environment to bring out its best piney perfume. Follow these tips to make your whole house smell like Christmas this year!
What makes a tree smell, or not?
Having a natural tree does not guarantee you will have a sweet scent in the house. To understand why some Christmas trees smell good and others don’t, you must understand that the scent depends on two factors, essentially.
Why do some Christmas trees smell and others not?
The tree reminds us of the holidays thanks to its particular smell. Its smell is created by three substances mainly.
These are α-pinene, β-pinene and bornyl acetate.
Molecules with complicated names escaping from the thorns of the tree to penetrate our nostrils.
Both α-pinene and β-pinene are identical molecules. One is the of the other in a mirror.
Chemists call these enantiomers.
These molecules are part of the family of terpenes. A family of very fragrant molecules that we find in different tree species.
The α-pinene brings a fragrance close to turpentine, an essential oil obtained from resinous trees. The β-pinene, it brings a fresh and woody note. These molecules easily escape from the needles of the tree to fill the air. In chemistry, they are said to be “volatile substances”.
But beware, these two molecules are highly flammable. That’s why fir trees catch fire so quickly.
Bornyl acetate is sometimes called “heart of pine” because it has a rich, slightly camphoric odor. It is a molecule that is easily found in firs and pines.
If you have a fake Christmas tree but like the smell of a real tree…
FAQ
How do I make my Christmas tree smell stronger?
Spray the branches with a fir scented room spray to keep the smell directly on the tree, or spray pinecones, ribbon, or other holiday decorations to allow the …
What Christmas trees don’t smell?
The Fir trees will have the strongest scents, while Spruce and Cypress trees have no or little scent, making them good for those with allergies. Firs, White Pine and Cypress trees are your best bet for soft needles, while the Spruces are very prickly.
What gives Christmas trees their aroma?
Unlike their artificial counterparts, real Christmas trees produce a sap-like substance called oleoresin to defend against certain pests and pathogens.Dec 13, 2021
How to make Christmas tree scent sticks?
To make Christmas tree scent sticks, you can either apply essential oils to cinnamon sticks or create a simmer pot with natural ingredients.