We do it quite often — hit the stores, browse through options, and cop the 15 foot artificial Christmas trees we’ve always wanted in our space. But somehow, we forget to consider size. The sleek, adorable artificial tree that catches your fancy every Christmas might not be your best.

But don’t fret.

If you have ever bought a too-large artificial Christmas tree for your space, then this is for you. Our tried-and-true expert tips will help you sail through the storm.

Keep reading!

Handing large Christmas trees without hassle

It’s simple. Though you may never get to do all yourself.

Before you begin, get a saw you can use for trimming, or go for alternatives — call a friend or look out for neighbors (seeking an extra hand will definitely go a long way). What matters is you are keeping safe.

Trim off parts of the tree that aren’t visible and ensure it remains sleek. If you’re using a 15 foot artificial Christmas tree, for instance, you may want to begin trimming from the back to avoid loopholes.

In Rebecca Stanton’s words, “Trim down branches so that the tree can be slid back more snugly into the space, creating more room, and keeping the main display at the front looking full of foliage. No one will be able to spot that you have pruned back branches off the back.”

Checking for height

Perhaps your tree comes off too tall for your room or unnecessarily long, you may trim off the top using secateurs or the base with a saw. But ensure to do all outdoors.

Begin by pruning gradually so you don’t chop off too much. Check for height to confirm what’s ideal, and leave extra space if you’re attaching a topper.