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The holidays are almost here and most of us have a Christmas tree in the horizon. Naturally, that means we also have to hunt for the best Christmas tree stand to keep it tall and proud until the new year.
While you may think shopping for a tree stand is easy, there are a lot of things to consider before picking the right one.
Will it fit the diameter of your tree’s trunk? Can it support a tall or artificial tree? Honestly, it can be a little jarring when you think about it all. Fortunately, we’re here to give you the 411 on everything Christmas tree stand related, including tips from some experts, as well as our favorite picks.
Does the size of a Christmas tree stand matter?
You bet it does!
In fact, choosing the wrong size stand can lead to disaster. “Be sure the stand is large enough for your tree,” advices Erika Sengstack, managing partner and wreath manager of Tree Riders NYC. “It’s a disaster when the tree is too big and falls over, not to mention a hazard.”
A typical Christmas tree trunk will be anywhere between 4 inches and 6 inches in diameter, so it’s important to check the size a stand can support.
Durability is another thing that needs to be factored in, as Greg Walsh, owner of Greg’s Trees can tell you. He’s been in business since 1985 and knows a thing or two about the dos and don’ts regarding tree stands. “The best material for Christmas tree stands is automotive grade polypropylene and heavy gauge steel fasteners,” he told The Post. It’s one of the reasons he likes the tree stands from Cinco.
“They make an extremely sturdy stand that’s always very easy to set up and use.”
Antoinette Boston, Christmas tree decorator and holiday expert concurs that choosing a hardwearing stand over a flimsy and cheap one is preferable. “The most common stands are plastic. I tend to avoid these because I don’t want to chance my tree toppling over,” she says. “I prefer something heavy duty for stability and it’s less likely to leak water. Go for frames made with metal [or] steel.”
Most tree stands come with details on what size tree it’s best for, as well as material. If you’re shopping online (and we’re guessing you are), don’t forget to check product specs before adding one to your cart.
One of our favorite stands for large trees is the Good Tiding Cinco Classic Christmas Tree Stand ($40). Along with being able to hold 2 gallons of water, it can support a tree 6 inches in diameter.For smaller Christmas trees (like the one from Charlie Brown!) we like the Blissun Metal Christmas Tree Stand ($24). It can hold a trunk as small as 2 inches in diameter and has an easy set up.
Should a Christmas tree touch the bottom of the stand?
It’s important for your tree to make contact with the bottom of the stand for stability. Some stands, like the Krinner Tree Genie have spikes in the bottom to help hold everything steady.
If you’ve struggled in the past setting up your live Christmas tree (artificial ones can be slightly easier), Walsh has some tips to make it easier.
“With two people, [a Christmas tree is] very easy to install. One person holds it straight, while the other tightens. When your by yourself, the best way to do it is to lay the tree down and put the stand on, and then tighten only until [the screws] make contact.
“Once you have contact on all the screws, you lift it and then can straighten if needed. Another trick that many people don’t always do is making sure the spikes in the stand [accurately] go in the trunk. Once you get the tree lined up, give it a good slam, and it will feel much more secure in an instant.”
And don’t forget to saw off an inch of the trunk before you begin, advises Boston. “This helps with water absorbency.
“Prune the bottom branches to make sure you have room to add a tree skirt, decorations like lanterns, and presents. Also, wait until after you’ve secured the tree in the base to cut off the ties [and] mesh. This will prevent you from being scratched by branches while putting it in the stand.”
What is the best real Christmas tree stand?
Cinco is the brand to know when tree stands are concerned, as Walsh can attest. It’s also a favorite brand of Sengstack. “Cinco stands are Tree Riders NYC go-to stands because they are durable, intuitive to set up and use, easy to clean, and can be used year after year.
Tree stands should be made to [last]. You shouldn’t have to throw it away and start fresh every season, so even if it means getting on the ground to level and tightening by hand, we encourage the more eco-friendly and manual tree stands.”
Boston favors Goliath Christmas tree stands. “It has a large tank for water, is powder-coated in heavy-duty steel, and has a lifetime warranty. I’m a firm believer in paying for quality once. There are options for trees sized 5 feet to12 feet, and 8 feet to 16 feet.”
She also recommends the Krinner Christmas Tree Stand. “They have innovative technology that secures the tree in its stand by a single cable that tightens with a foot pump. It is a time saver.”
Best Christmas Tree Stands of 2023
Best Overall: Good Tidings Cinco C-148 Classic Tree Stand
Pros:
- Holds a lot of water
- Affordable
- Stable
Cons:
- Screw-in setup
For a Christmas tree that revivals The Griswolds, you’ll need a sturdy base stand. This one has helpful spikes at the bottom of the base to hold your balsam steady and a mouth that can fit a trunk of up to 6 inches. You’ll have to screw it into position, but that’s the deal with many tree stands. Another selling point is that it holds up to 2 gallons of water to keep your tree from drying out before the holiday.
Review: “Okay, I have to admit I was skeptical about this tree stand being any different from ones we have tried before. But I was wrong. This stand has everything to make putting the tree up easy. The spikes at the bottom, the quick ratchet bolts the high sided [base]. Super sturdy once the tree is up. Very impressed with it. Highly recommend.”
Additional specs: Suitable for trees up to 10 feet tall with a trunk of 6 inches.
Best for Large Trees: Krinner Tree Genie
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes on Amazon
- More than 8,000 reviews
- No screws
Cons:
- Some customers report issue with locking mechanism
- Doesn’t work well with tree skirt
If you search the best Christmas tree stands, you’ll see the name Krinner Tree Genie over and over again. The base is large and heavy enough to support a large, natural tree, and it doesn’t have any screws to deal with. Instead, it uses a foot petal to open the mouth of the stand and a claw-like mouth to hold the trunk tight. Plonk the tree inside and you’re good to go. Capable of holding up to 2.5 gallons of water, there’s also a handy level indicator to tell when it’s time to refill the base. More than 7,000 happy customers on Amazon give is a 5 star rating.
Review: “What an unbelievable product! Where has it been all my (adult) life as we struggled and twisted and turned with a Christmas tree that just wouldn’t cooperate. I’m 5-feet nothing, weigh in at 110 pounds soaking wet, and I put up a tree my myself this past Christmas — and this was no shrinking violet! The tree was well over 7 feet and quite a breadth across. I dropped the tree into the receptacle, pumped it with my foot as required, and then locked it. That’s it, and that’s all. Taking the tree down was too easy for words. I unlocked the mechanism at its base, steadied the tree, popped the mechanism with my foot and … voilà … tree released. Oh my, Christmas will never be the same. No more tears or fears putting up the Christmas tree!”
Additional specs: Medium stand supports a 7 feet tall tree with a trunk of 4.7 inches. Large stand supports 8 feet tall trees, up to 7 inches in diameter. Extra Large stand supports a 12-feet tree with a trunk of 7 inches.
Best for Artificial Trees: Best Choice Products 360-Degree Rotating Adjustable Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Has three built-in outlets
- Doesn’t tangle cords
Cons:
- Only accommodates two size trunks
For those who prefer their tree faux, this Christmas tree stand will make it seem more lively. It fully rotates, even when the tree’s lights are on, thanks to its three 2-pronged outlets. Simply string the cord through, and then turn on for a jolly sight. Rotation is slow (about every 70 seconds) to keep ornaments from spinning off, and there are three different settings to switch between. According to the manufacturer, it should be able to support artificial trees of 7.5 feet tall or under, though some customers do note that their larger trees tend to lean. However, many still love it enough to earn a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
Review: “This rotating tree stand was just what I wanted. It holds the tree snugly and rotates slowly so you can see all the ornaments. It also makes it much easier to decorate the tree as well. Price was ideal.”
Additional specs: Suitable for 7.5 feet tall trees with a trunk of 0.9- 1.25 inches.
Best for Small Trees: Blissun Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Works for both live and artificial trees
- Compact design
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a large water reservoir
For smaller trees we recommend this tree stand. Its holder is plastic but its legs are made of sturdy metal, which can later be removed for storage. It doesn’t hold a tremendous amount of water (about 0.65 gallons), but that should do for a sapling size tree. It’s good for fake and real, and is also a bit more attractive than bulkier, plastic models.
Review: “I used this for about a 5 feet tall tree. At that height it was very sturdy, and easy to put together. There was definitely room for a thicker trunk, but I don’t know how far I would push this thing to carry a lot more weight. It was perfect for the job that I needed.”
Additional specs: Suitable for trees 8 feet tall with a trunk of 2 to 5.3 inches in diameter.
Best Rotating: Northlight 24″ Plastic Musical Rotating Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Works for live trees
- Plays music
- Non-clunky design
Cons:
- Two-way rotation
- Can only support trees 65 pounds or less
- Small water reservoir
If you’re ready to turn your tree into an awe inspiring moment, throw some tunes into the mix. Along with being a stand, this pic plays as it rotates, creating a very memorable experience. It only turns 150 degrees both ways, which makes the name of the product somewhat misleading. On the positive, we like that it works for real trees, even those on the medium side of the scale.
Additional specs: Supports trees between 4 to 7 feet tall.
Best for Pets: L.L. Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Durable
- Centering spikes
- Comes with foot pads
Cons:
- Have to deal with screws
In the market for the best Christmas tree stand for your cat? Or more accurately, a stand that keeps your cat — or dog — away? Try this one from L.L.Bean. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s crafted durable cast iron and has a small enough mouth that should make it difficult for little paws or snouts to get inside. There are also spikes at the base to help stabilize the tree, and the base has a lovely design.
Additional specs: Supports trees of 8 feet tall with a 5 inch trunk.
Best Adjustable: Tree Nest Christmas Tree Stand Base
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Legs that lay flat
- Compact design
Cons:
- Only works with live trees
Not all tree stands have that done to death green and red holiday theme. Some, like this one from Tree Nest, are actually stylish. We love its thick legs, which lay flat for stability, and the fact it comes in white, as well as silver. Its adjustable screws work best with a smaller trunk, but it can accommodate real trees as high as 7 feet.
Review: “Perfect Christmas tree stand. It arrived well packed in a timely manner; well before we needed it. The base is a lovely blond wood, assembled by fitting together the two ‘legs’ crosswise. Our 6 feet tree was securely supported and is easy to mount in the stand by drilling a small hole in the flat cut base, which slides over the peg sticking up from the center of the white metal water trough. The four securing screws are easy to use, too. The entire base can be de-assembled for storage in the box it arrives in. Highly recommend it.”
Additional specs: Supports a tree of 7 feet with a trunk of 1.2 -3.6 inches.
Best Rolling: Tree Nest Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Also doubles as a plant cab
- Lock-in wheels
Cons:
- Hole in stand on the shallow side
Move your tree from here to there with this rollable Christmas stand. The feet are retractable and the wheels lock into place whenever you find the perfect spot. According to several happy customers on Amazon, the stand is easy to put together, though some said the instructions left much to be desired. Regardless, we like how simple it makes it to move your fake fir from room to room.
Review: “This is the style that I got to replace one that was absolute trash. This one works so well. It has been holding a fake tree upright even after being moved around the room several times for several months now. It works fantastically and is very stable.”
Additional specs: Supports a tree of 2.4 – 7.5 feet with a trunk of 0.7 -3.5 inches.
Most Innovative: Handcrafted Red Metal Tree Collar
Pros:
- Made of cast iron
- Bold red color
- Protects against curious pets
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Some tree stands don’t accommodate for a tree skirt, which is why we like this one. Its large base and deep crimson hue makes the other accessory completely unnecessary, plus its mouth is small enough to keep pets from drinking the water out. Made from cast iron, expect this baby to last a long time!
Additional specs: n/a
Best Durable: National Holiday 5164 Steel Tree Stand
Pros:
- Almost 1,000 ratings on Amazon
- Easy to set up with two people
- Made of durable metal
Cons:
- Shallow base
We’re willing to bet a few of you had this Christmas tree stand growing up, and it’s still a great option in our book. It’s sturdy, has a traditional screw set up (we recommend having a helper), and looks decent with a tree skirt over it. The bowl is on the smaller side, so expect to refill on a regular basis. However, it’s affordable and should last for years.
Review: “We received a live tree for free unexpectedly, so we needed a stand. I didn’t want a plastic one under any circumstances and metal options [can be] lacking, but this ended up working perfectly for our needs. We only had a 3.5 feet tree. Its easier if you have two people to put the tree in, so the trunk is straight and you don’t have a tilty tree. I expect it should last us forever.”
Additional Specs: n/a
Best Foldable: Goliath Welded Steel Artificial Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- Supports artificial trees of 200 pounds
- Easy to store
- Thick brackets
Cons:
- Not available in other colors or sizes
For a giant artificial tree, go for something as sturdy as this. Recently redesigined in 2020, the stand can not accommodate the thinnest poles, so don’t worry about anything wiggling out of place. The legs are thicker for stability, too, and it all folds up when you need to pack things up for the season.
Review:” I’ve been struggling with the base of my artificial tree for years! Duct tape to hold it open, shims to straighten the tree. I thought of replacing the tree many times, but I love it so much. Finally, this year I had the idea, “I wonder if you can get replacement bases?” Amazon to the rescue! I looked at many, but this one looked solid, and it IS. Well worth the extra cost. So we’ll made. I can keep enjoying the tree I love for the rest of my days. Absolutely perfect! No more precariously leveled, unstable tree for me!”
Additional specs: Supports a 4- 8 feet tree with a 1.25 inch diameter.
Best for Large Artificial Trees: Ezcheer 360-Degree Rotating Adjustable Tree Stand
Pros:
- Supports an artificial tree of up to 80 pounds
- Adjustable settings
- Rotates every 70 seconds
Cons:
- Has to be assembled
So you like your faux trees big, huh? Well, this is the stand to know. It can hold an artificial tree up to 80 pounds, which is basically the size of a child — impressive! It’s armed with three 2-prong outlets to connect lights to, which we love, and can be powered up to 400 watts. We’re not crazy about all the pieces it comes with (five, to be exact). However, the set up is easy, so you’ll have tree up in no time.
Additional specs: Supports trees up to 7.5 feet with a 0.9 inch to 1.25 inch diameter.
Best for Tree Skirt: Northlight 25″ Green Christmas Tree Stand
Pros:
- No assembly
- Made of metal
- Holds 1.6 gallons of water
This Christmas tree stand has all the things are experts recommend: sturdy metal frame, holds a decent amount of water — you know, the basics. It is more than $100, which we don’t love. However, the way its frame is designed makes it simple to outfit with a tree skirt, which we do love! It also doesn’t acquire any assembly, which earns it extra brownie points.
Additional specs: Supports trees up to 12 feet with a 7 inch diameter.
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