‘Tis the Season!
Fresh Holiday Evergreens are a seasonal staple for retail florists, event designers, and décor professionals. Because evergreens are a perishable product, proper care and handling from the moment they arrive is essential for maintaining quality, color, fragrance, and longevity.
Whether you’re preparing wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, or holiday installations, following a few simple best practices will significantly extend the life of your holiday evergreens.
Why Proper Storage of Evergreens Matters
Holiday evergreens naturally begin to dehydrate as soon as they are harvested. Once delivered to your shop or design studio, it becomes important to store them correctly. Proper storage conditions—cool temperatures, balanced airflow, and protection from heat and sunlight—help preserve moisture and slow the drying process.
How to Store Fresh Evergreens
Keep Greens Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
The most effective way to extend the life of evergreens is to keep them in a cooler. If cooler space is not available, choose a cool, shaded location away from heaters, vents, and bright sun exposure.
Heat and sunlight will dry out needles quickly, causing premature browning and needle drop.
Open Boxed Greens in the Cooler
If your product arrives boxed, open the boxes inside the cooler to allow cold air to circulate through the greens. Once the temperature has cooled evenly, you can re-close the boxes until you are ready to design with them.
Avoid Storing Evergreens on Concrete or Asphalt
Concrete and asphalt floors pull moisture from foliage, accelerating dehydration. Always store greens on pallets, racks, or shelving to protect them from these surfaces.
Special Handling Instructions for Wreaths
Wreaths require airflow to remain fresh. For best results:
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Unbundle wreaths as soon as possible to allow ventilation.
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Hang them in a dry, shaded location away from heat sources.
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Expect some light needle shedding—especially with balsam—due to natural movement during transit. This is completely normal.
Managing Indoor Conditions
Evergreens dry out faster indoors, especially if exposed to heat or direct light. To help preserve freshness:
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Store them in the coolest, darkest indoor space available.
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Lightly mist the greens every few days to replenish moisture.
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Keep them away from sunny windows, hot displays, or retail floor heating.
Sun exposure can “burn” needles and cause rapid moisture loss, so minimizing light and heat is essential.
Download Our Evergreens Catalog & Shop Online
For additional care tips by product category, as well as variety details, and seasonal availability, DVFlora customers can view our catalog as well as shop online by visiting the links below:
