Fresh, Fragrant Real White Pine Garland for Holiday Decorating
Real white pine garland brings that classic “fresh from the forest” look and scent into your home for the holidays. White pine (Pinus strobus) is recognized for its long, soft, and flexible needles, as well as its excellent needle retention, making it one of the best choices for live garlands and swags.
Drape it over porch railings, frame your front door, wind it along a staircase, or lay it across the mantel for a lush, natural backdrop to bows, ornaments, and lights.
Long-Lasting Evergreen Beauty With the Right Care
When properly cared for, real evergreen garlands can last 4–6 weeks outdoors, and 2–3 weeks indoors, sometimes longer in cool conditions.
White pine’s soft needles dry more gracefully than some other evergreens, holding shape and color while filling your home or entryway with a gentle pine fragrance that feels like the holidays.
How to Care for Real White Pine Garland
Here are Some Use and Care Recommendations for Your Real White Pine Garland
How should I prepare and hang real white pine garland?
When your garland arrives, unpack it immediately and let it rest in a cool, shaded spot. For maximum longevity, soak the garland in a tub of clean, room-temperature water for several hours or overnight so the stems can rehydrate before decorating. After soaking, allow excess water to drip off, then hang using hooks, zip ties, or floral wire. On railings and staircases, support the garland at multiple points so the weight is evenly distributed, especially if you’ll be adding lights, ribbon, or ornaments.
How often should I mist or water my white pine garland?
Hydration is key to keeping fresh garland lush. Once the garland is hung, mist it regularly with a spray bottle of clean water—daily indoors, and every few days outdoors in cool weather. Focus on the foliage, not the decorations. If you’re using electric lights, mist early in the day and allow the foliage to dry before turning lights on.
Where should I display real white pine garland for best longevity?
Outdoors in shaded or covered spaces is ideal—think porches, railings, fence lines, and covered entries. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity slow drying, helping the garland stay fresh longer. Indoors, display garland away from heat vents, fireplaces, radiators, and direct sun. Warmer, drier indoor air naturally shortens its lifespan, so cooler rooms and low-heat LED lights are your best friends.
What should I do with my garland after the holidays?
When the season is over and the garland has dried, remove any bows, wires, or lights and compost or chip the greenery if possible. Evergreen boughs can also be laid over planting beds as a temporary winter mulch to protect perennials and soil. Avoid burning treated or decorated greenery in indoor fireplaces. Instead, think of your garland as a seasonal, biodegradable decoration that can be returned to the garden or local organic yard waste collection facility.