Bushra Griffith
Christmas trees are beloved for their iconic scent, but sometimes, they can smell bad. A Christmas tree can develop a foul odour due to several factors, such as the time elapsed since it was cut down, the conditions it was stored in, and the presence of pests or bacteria. If you're unlucky enough to encounter a stinky spruce, there are ways to mask the smell and salvage your festive cheer. From air fresheners and purifiers to essential oils and scented candles, you can try to hide the unpleasant aroma until it's time to bid your tree farewell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for bad smell | Could be due to root rot, stagnant water, mould, decay, aphids and other pests, or preservatives/treatments |
| Solutions | Air fresheners, air purifiers, pine-scented ornament sticks, essential oils, scented candles |
| Reason for good smell | Terpenes, oleoresin, limonene, myrcene, camphene, phellandrene, bornyl acetate, pinene |
| Solutions | Keep in a cold garage or garden, trim the trunk, refresh water in the stand, add aspirin/sugar/lemon juice |
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What You'll Learn
The tree is decomposing
A Christmas tree may smell like cheese if it's decomposing. This can happen if the tree was cut and stored for too long before purchase. Central heating can also dry out the air, reducing the tree's scent and making any underlying odours more noticeable.
The health of a Christmas tree and how it was handled before purchase are important factors in how it smells. Trees that were cut long before being sold and left in storage can start to decay. As a result, bacteria start to grow on the sap leaks and moisture, leading to foul odours. If a tree has a rotting base or has absorbed slimy water from a dirty reservoir, these can be major contributors to unpleasant smells.
To keep your tree smelling nice, consider hanging pine-scented ornament sticks to help mask any bad smells. Inside, a Christmas tree has a lifespan of approximately four weeks before it should be disposed of. Signs that a tree may be nearing the end of its life include no longer absorbing water, dropping needles, browning, drooping branches, and bad smells.
The smell of a Christmas tree depends on its species. Fir, spruce, and pine trees are the most popular, and they produce terpenes that give them their distinctive scents. Fir and pine scents usually have rich camphor or menthol-like fragrances. Pine trees, in particular, provide a gentler fragrance. For example, the White Pine is fresh, slightly sweet, and earthy. Spruce trees, like the Blue Spruce, offer a sharp, almost citrus-like fragrance.
To make your Christmas tree smell better, you can add essential oils such as pine, spruce, or fir to the water in the tree stand or mist the tree with a mix of water, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.
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It's a species with a strong scent
The scent of a Christmas tree depends on its species. Fir, spruce, and pine trees are the most popular, and they produce terpenes that give them their distinctive scents. For example, pine trees provide a gentler fragrance, while spruce trees offer a sharp, almost citrus-like fragrance. Fir trees, on the other hand, are known for their strong, woodsy aroma. The Balsam fir, in particular, embodies the iconic "Christmas smell" with subtle hints of sweetness and spice.
The Fraser fir, which represents over 90% of all Christmas trees grown and sold across North Carolina, has one of the most appealing aromas to consumers. Researchers are currently working to identify trees with the terpenes responsible for the preferred aromas to cross-breed them with genetically similar trees to amplify the aromas.
The age, growing conditions, and post-harvest treatment of Christmas trees can also significantly influence their smells. Younger trees tend to have a more potent fragrance, and the environment in which they grow can also affect the intensity and quality of their aroma. Additionally, the indoor environment plays a significant role in how your Christmas tree smells. For instance, high humidity levels in the home can lead to mould growth, resulting in a musty smell. Central heating systems can also dry out the air, reducing the tree's scent and making any underlying odours more noticeable.
To keep your tree smelling nice throughout the holidays, consider hanging plenty of pine-scented ornament sticks or using essential oils such as pine, spruce, or fir. These oils can be diffused or applied to cotton balls and placed in tree branches.
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The tree is infested with pests
If your Christmas tree smells like cheese, it could be infested with pests. While this may be off-putting, it is not uncommon. Christmas trees are often stored for long periods before being sold, which can lead to pest infestations.
One of the most common pests found on Christmas trees is aphids. These tiny insects feed on the tree's sap and can leave behind a sticky residue. As they die, their bodies can create a musty smell as the tree dries out. Other pests that may be hiding in the branches include fungus gnats, which are attracted to the smell of rotting roots, and various other insects and mammals that browse on the trees during the winter, such as deer.
To check for pests, carefully inspect the branches and needles of your tree. Look for any signs of movement or unusual residue. If you spot any pests, you can try removing them by hand or using a gentle insecticide. It is important to act quickly, as pests can spread and cause further damage to your tree.
In addition to pest control, proper tree care is crucial to preventing and managing infestations. Ensure your tree is not overwatered, as this can lead to root rot, creating an ideal environment for pests. Keep your tree well-maintained and trimmed, and consider using a natural insect repellent to deter pests from making your Christmas tree their home.
Taking these steps will help ensure your Christmas tree remains healthy and pest-free, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without any unwelcome guests.
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The tree has been over-watered
If your Christmas tree smells like cheese, it could be because it has been over-watered. While it is important to keep your tree hydrated, over-watering can lead to root rot, which can cause an unpleasant odour.
Root rot is caused by oversaturating the soil, which can happen if you water your tree too frequently. This can lead to phytophthora root rot, which not only smells bad but will also affect the appearance of your tree. The needles will turn a bright orange-brown colour, and the smell can attract common houseplant pests such as fungus gnats.
To prevent root rot, it is important to allow the top two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering your tree again. You can also try using a moisture meter to ensure that you are not over-watering your tree. If you suspect that your tree has root rot, it is important to take action to treat it, as it can be harmful to your tree and affect its lifespan.
Another reason your tree may smell like cheese is due to stagnant water in the tree stand. This can happen if you put your tree in water immediately after cutting it. The tree will try to heal the cut by sealing it off with resin, and if it is immediately placed in water, the water will become stagnant and start to smell. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep your tree in a cold garage or garden for as long as possible before bringing it indoors.
Additionally, the smell of a Christmas tree can be influenced by the species of the tree. Fir, spruce, and pine trees are popular choices and are known for their distinctive scents. For example, the Balsam fir is famous for its strong, refreshing pine scent, often associated with traditional Christmas smells. On the other hand, pine trees provide a gentler fragrance, with the White Pine being fresh, slightly sweet, and earthy. Spruce trees offer a sharp, almost citrus-like fragrance.
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The tree has been cut for a long time
If your Christmas tree has been cut for a long time, it may have started to decay. This is a natural process that happens when trees are left in storage for too long before being sold. As a result, bacteria start to grow on the sap leaks and moisture, which can lead to foul odours. The original aroma of the tree fades and is replaced by other odours.
Central heating can dry out the air, reducing the tree's scent and making any underlying odours more noticeable. High humidity levels in the home can also lead to mould growth, which can cause a musty smell. Mould can develop on the tree itself or in the water reservoir if you leave stagnant water for too long.
To prevent your tree from smelling bad, it's important to take proper care of it. Before buying a tree, gently test the branches to ensure they are fresh. Look for firm needles and sticky sap at the bottom as signs of freshness. Once you have the tree, trim the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water better. Keep the tree in a cold garage or garden for as long as possible before bringing it indoors.
If your tree has already started to smell, there are a few things you can do to mask the odour. Try hanging pine-scented ornament sticks or placing air fresheners near the tree. You can also add essential oils, such as pine, spruce, or fir, to the water in the tree stand or mist the tree with a mix of water, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of a Christmas tree depends on its species. The most popular species are fir, spruce, and pine trees, and they produce terpenes that give them their distinctive scents. Fir and pine scents usually have rich camphor or menthol-like fragrances. Other coniferous trees feature terpenes that give off a variety of Christmas tree scents ranging from citrusy to warm and spicy. If your tree has been cut and stored for too long, it may begin to decompose and develop a sour smell.
To prevent your Christmas tree from smelling like cheese, you should prioritize proper upkeep as soon as you bring it home. Avoid placing your tree in a small space, as this may affect its scent. Additionally, ensure that the tree is well-hydrated by keeping it in a cold garage or garden for as long as possible before bringing it indoors.
To mask the cheese-like smell of your Christmas tree, you can try using air fresheners or air purifiers. Alternatively, you can add pine-scented ornament sticks or hang scented candles that mimic pine, fir, or spruce scents a few feet away from the tree.
There could be several reasons why your Christmas tree smells bad. One reason could be that it has been cut and stored for too long before purchase, causing it to start decomposing. Another reason could be the presence of pests such as aphids, which can leave a sticky residue and create a musty smell as the tree dries. Additionally, high humidity levels in your home can lead to mould growth, resulting in a musty smell.
