Heat, wind, and sunlight are the greatest enemies to maintaining freshness of cut Christmas trees. Any technique which increases the humidity of the air surrounding the trees will slow the rate of moisture loss, thereby maintaining freshness.

Shading can also prevent "stringburn," in which needles adjacent to the baling string turn brown.

If permanent shade is not available, a burlap or shade cloth can be used to protect trees from sunlight and wind. However, any shade should be suspended above the trees and down the sides with at least a 2 feet air space above and outside the trees to avoid over-heating.

Misting trees at night to provide moisture can be beneficial. 

Retailers in warm climates sometimes store baled trees with their trunks in a pool of water, formed by lining wooden or dirt troughs with plastic or tarp. Trunks can also be placed in moist sawdust as a method to maintain moisture content of the trees.

Piles of baled trees should not be soaked with water as mold and defoliation can occur, particularly in warm temperatures.

For trees to adequately take up water, a fresh cut on the tree's base may be necessary prior to storage or display. 

Trees should be handled carefully while being unloaded from trucks, placed in and out of storage, and delivered to customers. Walking on baled trees breaks limbs and crushes foliage.

In freezing conditions, extra caution is needed as trees can become quite brittle.