:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-primary-christmas-tree-stands-sep-24-dburreson-001-1-0e8f42fcef0d48a490927be6e261ad9b.jpeg)
Nobody wants their fully decorated Christmas tree (and glass ornaments) to come crashing to the ground. That’s why we put eight top-selling Christmas tree stands to the test in The Lab to find the best options you can use, year after year.
While it’s an essential step in getting your tree ready to decorate—our favorite part—setting up a Christmas tree stand can be very frustrating, so we looked for stands that made it relatively painless.
You have to choose a tree stand appropriately sized for the height and trunk width of your tree, and we tested with two trees: a 6-foot or a 9-foot freshly cut tree. Real trees require a steady water source, so we made sure each stand had a large basin that's easy to fill without spilling or struggling underneath the tree branches to water the tree.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Krinner Tree Genie
Possible for just one person to set up
No need to crouch to install
Clamps hold tree very securely
Large reservoir
Reservoir is a bit tricky to empty
If you dread crouching uncomfortably beneath tree branches while tightening and loosening multiple screws just to get the tree straight and steady, you’ll understand why the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand is our top choice. Instead of three or four separate screws, this tree stand has five “claws” connected by a cable and attached to a foot pedal: No crawling underneath the branches is required.
It was remarkably easy to use the stand’s mechanism to achieve a straight, secure Christmas tree, and best of all, we didn’t have to get down on hands and knees even once. To secure our 9-foot tree, we centered it in the center of the stand and then pressed down on the foot pedal several times to slowly cinch the claws against the tree trunk. Once we felt the tree was secure, we locked the foot pedal in place.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-christmas-tree-stands-sep-24-test-krinner-tree-genie-dburreson-001-4-3f857dece23140b59896673234766b21.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
We liked that the stand was assembled and ready to go right out of the box. While we tested it with a 9-foot tree, the manufacturer states that the XXL size that we tested can be used with trees up to 12 feet in height and with trunks up to 7 inches in diameter. That’s a big tree.
The base is 20 inches across and weighs 18 pounds, so it is heavy enough to prevent wobbles or toppling. We tilted it 4 inches to the side with the tree in place, let go, and the stand snapped right back to its upright position while still holding the tree securely. Of course, we don’t recommend you try that at home.
The reservoir holds up to 2.5 gallons of water and has an indicator so you know when it needs a refill (it's the only stand on our list that has this). We found it easy to fill the reservoir, but not so easy to empty it, but luckily you don't need to do that very often.
Dimensions: 20 x 6 inches | Weight: 18 pounds | Water Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Tree Capacity: 12 feet tall, 7-inch trunk | Material: Plastic, metal
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Value
Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand
Easy-to-fill reservoir
Stable and sturdy
Stylish enough without a tree skirt
Plastic anchors
This budget-friendly tree stand from Northlight performed very well in our tests, holding the tree securely and upright, even when lightly bumped. We chose it as our best value because it keeps up to a 9-foot tree stable and looks great with or without a tree skirt.
It was easy to assemble, but as with most Christmas tree stands, it did require two people working together to get the tree in place and anchored (but it was a relatively quick process). While testing, the four eye bolts that secure the tree were easy to turn, but we do wish they were made of metal instead of plastic for more durability.
The bucket-shaped holder is also made of heavy plastic, but the stand's legs are metal. We were concerned that the stand wasn’t heavy enough to provide stability, but our tests pleasantly proved us wrong, as the stand was very sturdy.
The Spruce Team Tests the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand
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Although the stand is stylish enough on its own, we found that it’s easy to cover it with a tree skirt, if desired. The water reservoir holds 3.5 quarts of water and was easy to fill with a long-spout watering can or pitcher, without spilling or dripping onto the tree skirt that we used while testing.
The manufacturer states that the stand is suitable for trees up to 9 feet tall and with trunks between 2 inches and 5.5 inches in diameter. We tested it at its maximum with a 9-foot tree and it was very secure.
Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Capacity: 3.5 quarts | Tree Capacity: 9 feet tall, 2- to 5.5-inch trunks | Material: Plastic, metal
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Modern
Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Tree Stand
Attractive appearance
No tree skirt required
Easy to fill with water
Cannot be weighed down for extra security
Looking for a modern take on the traditional Christmas tree stand? Instead of an admittedly not-too-attractive bulky bowl with wide metal legs, the Tree Nest Christmas Tree Stand Base boasts attractive beechwood legs that support a black metal base—it’s also available in red and white—that’s far more upright and slim than the typical stand.
While testing, we found that it’s just as practical as it is stylish: The stand was sturdy enough to securely support our 9-foot test tree. We do wish the base was a little heavier or could be weighed down, as at 6 pounds, this is a fairly light stand.
The modern style and trim shape of the stand means there’s no need for a skirt to hide it, and because the base is rather tall, we didn’t think our tree skirt complemented it well. However, this could be a big plus for those with small living rooms, as it means your tree takes up less space overall.
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
We found it easy to add water to the base, which holds 1.27 gallons of water. We tested the large stand, which can support a tree up to 10 feet tall and with a trunk that’s 2.4 to 5.9 inches in diameter. Tree Nest also offers the stand in smaller sizes for correspondingly smaller trees.
Setting up and disassembling the stand was about average in difficulty, with the usual team effort of one person supporting the tree while the other tightened the screws in the stand base until the tree was fully secured and straight.
Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Water Capacity: 1.27 gallons | Tree Capacity: 10 feet tall, 2.4- to 5.9-inch trunks | Material: Beechwood, powder-coated steel
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Heavy-Duty
L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand
Very sturdy and durable
Attractive appearance
Somewhat small reservoir
Low to the ground
If your family includes a high-energy toddler or a rambunctious cat, you'll need a heavy-duty Christmas tree stand like this attractive, traditional model from L.L.Bean. In our tests, we found that once secured in place, the tree stood straight and steady in the stand, even when bumped.
At a hefty 20 pounds, the stand is heavy enough to ward off tipping or wobbling, even if your cat decides to go for a climb. It’s made of solid cast iron with a baked-on green urethane finish that won’t chip or fade and requires no assembly. The stand is traditional in design but has just enough style to forego a tree skirt if desired.
The Spruce Team Tests the L.L. Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand
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We did find it to be somewhat low, which could require trimming away the bottom branches if you want enough room to set wrapped gifts underneath the tree. While the manufacturer doesn’t state exactly how much water the reservoir holds, we thought it was somewhat on the small side, and we did need a watering can with a long spout to fill it without spills.
We used our 6-foot test tree in the stand, which was a perfect height for the stand’s size, although you can go as tall as 8 feet if you prefer a bigger tree.
Dimensions: 14 x 14 inches (height not specified) | Weight: 20 pounds | Water Capacity: Not specified | Tree Capacity: 8 feet tall, 5-inch trunks | Material: Coated cast iron
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Basic
Jack-Post Christmas Tree Stand
Large reservoir
Easy to use
Reasonable price
Not especially attractive
Might need to add extra weight
If you don’t want to spend a bundle on a Christmas tree stand (and you plan on covering it with a tree skirt anyway), we recommend this basic but very sturdy offering from Jack-Post. We found it easy to set up and remove the tree stand, thanks to the heavy-duty, compact plastic base, steel tree spike, and durable eye screws for securing the tree in place.
Once in position, the tree was very steady, even when bumped, and we loved how easy it was to add water to the large reservoir, which holds 1.3 gallons. There’s even a slight lip around the base of the stand to catch any stray water drips.
We used our 6-foot test tree, but the stand will support trees up to 8 feet high with a 6-inch trunk diameter. There’s also a larger version for trees up to 10 feet tall. Note that you’ll need at least 5.5 inches of bare trunk at the bottom of the tree for a secure hold in the stand, which may mean that you’ll need to trim away the lower branches.
The stand is only 2.5 pounds without water, so you might want to add extra weight underneath the tree skirt if you are concerned about kids or pets bumping into the fully decorated tree. However, we tested it without additional weight and had no issues with tipping or wobbling.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Water Capacity: 1.3 gallons | Tree Capacity 8 feet tall, 6-inch trunk | Material: Plastic
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Decorative
Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot
Very attractive design
No tree skirt needed
Very sturdy
Small water reservoir
For a streamlined, space-saving approach, go for a decorative tree stand that looks great without a bulky tree skirt. Our favorite is the Burke Decor Christmas Tree Foot. Made of powder-coated iron with a brass finish, it’s shaped like a five-pointed star with open, streamlined arms. It requires no assembly: Just take it out of the box and find a partner to hold the tree in place while you tighten the screws.
We tested it with a 6-foot tree, and while the manufacturer does not give a maximum height specification for the stand, we felt that 6 feet was perfect. Our one complaint about the stand is that the water reservoir is very small—it’s only around 4 inches in diameter—so it can’t hold a tree with a large trunk. However, it did hold the tree very steadily in place, and even when we bumped it, the tree didn’t wobble or tip.
With this lovely stand, there’s no need for a tree skirt, which is also helpful if you are setting the tree in a corner or other confined space. Because the reservoir is so small, however, we did find it a bit tricky to fill without spilling water, and you’ll want a watering can with a long spout for the task.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.7 x 5 inches | Weight: Not specified | Water Capacity: Not specified | Tree Capacity Not specified | Material: Powder-coated iron
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best for Artificial Trees
Tree Nest Rolling Christmas Tree Stand
Wheels make it easy to decorate and move the tree
Adjustable legs
Assembly instructions could be better
We haven’t had a chance to test this stand yet, but we recommend it if you have an artificial tree that’s no more than 7.5 feet tall. This rolling stand makes it so easy to decorate your tree; no more awkwardly circling around with decorations in hand, trying to reach the tree’s back. Instead, you can rotate the tree while decorating, making it a breeze to adorn every side of your tree evenly.
We also love that it makes your tree just as easy to store as it is to decorate: If you have the closet space, you can slip a protective cover over the tree and wheel it right into its storage spot once the holiday season is finished. That means no time spent removing ornaments and disassembling the tree before putting it away, and even better, when the next holiday season rolls around, your tree is ready to go.
The stand is metal with plastic casters. Two have locks, so don't worry that your tree will roll across the floor, even if lightly bumped. The metal legs can be extended or retracted as needed for extra stability. You can use the stand with faux trees up to 7.5 feet in height and with trunks between 0.7 and 1.4 inches in diameter.
While the included instructions are not the best, assembling the stand is not difficult, and once it’s put together, it holds the tree very securely. However, you’ll definitely want to cover the stand with a tree skirt, as it is rather unattractive.
Dimensions: 23.2 x 23.2 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Water Capacity: Not applicable | Tree Capacity 7.5 feet tall, 1.4-inch trunk | Material: Metal and plastic
Final Verdict
Our top pick, the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand, is a sturdy stand that supports trees up to 12 feet tall, but what really impressed us is how easy it is to use, with no bending down required. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly, but still dependable option, we love the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand that’s stylish enough without splurging on a tree skirt.
How We Tested the Christmas Tree Stands
In our pursuit to test Christmas tree stands, we faced the challenge of locating real trees during the off-season. After trying many different locations, we picked up two beautiful trees (a 6- and a 9-foot tree for testing different stand capacities) from the Strautman Tree Farm in Cambridge, Iowa.
We then tested eight Christmas tree stands of various sizes, styles, and materials. All of our tested stands were designed to hold natural, cut Christmas trees and included a built-in water basin to keep the tree fresh for as long as possible.
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
We started by assembling the stands according to the manufacturer’s directions. We then evaluated the sturdiness of the stand, as well as how easy it was to tighten and loosen the screws or other mechanism used to hold the tree in place.
Each stand was tested with the tree closest to its stated maximum height capacity. Working in teams of two (it almost always requires two people to secure a Christmas tree in a stand properly), we inserted the tree into the stand and then tightened the screws or other fastening mechanisms until the trunk was held firmly in place. We noted how many tries it took to get the tree standing straight—this is generally the most frustrating part of setting up a tree stand.
Once the tree was straight and secure in the stand, we gently bumped it to see how it might handle a dog running by or a toddler pulling on it. We draped a tree skirt over the stand and added water to the reservoir to see how easy it was to do so without spilling water onto the tree skirt.
Next, we removed the tree skirt, loosened the fasteners holding the tree in place, and lifted the tree out. Our final steps were to empty the reservoir water while noting whether it was easy without spilling water, disassemble the tree stand, and wipe it dry. We are currently testing these tree stands in our homes and will update this article on their long-term performance soon.
Other Options We Tested
Santa's Solution Christmas Tree Stand: While this stand is very sturdy, we struggled quite a bit to secure the tree. We found the included eye screws to be somewhat short, so we had a hard time getting our tree to stand straight and steady. However, the stand was very secure once we achieved that, even when bumped. We liked the large water reservoir, which was easy to fill. The stand can hold trees up to 9 feet tall and with 6-inch trunks.
It’s best hidden beneath a tree skirt, as it’s quite basic in design. Made of plastic with metal support arms, the stand has small holes around the base that can be used for additional anchoring if desired.
The Spruce Team Tests the Santa's Solution Christmas Tree Stand
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What to Look for in a Christmas Tree Stand
Tree Compatibility
Real or faux: The first important consideration is whether you need a stand for a natural, cut tree or whether you are putting up an artificial tree this year. Stands designed for artificial trees have a much narrower base, as faux trees don’t have the thick trunks found on a natural tree. And, of course, your artificial tree doesn’t require a water basin. The Tree Nest Rolling Christmas Tree Stand holds faux trees up to 7.5 feet tall and has wheels, making it a breeze to decorate all sides of your tree or move it in and out of storage.
Height: Going beyond the stand's maximum height can lead to your tree tipping over. Generally, the taller the tree the stand can support, the wider the legs of the base are spread for stability. There are tree stands designed to hold table-top trees only a couple of feet tall and stands that can hold holiday trees that soar to over 10 feet high, along with everything in between. Many manufacturers offer their stands in various sizes, so be sure to choose one that suits your typical tree. Our best overall pick, the Krinner Tree Genie, is available in multiple heights to fit your tree.
Diameter: Another important consideration when choosing a stand for a real tree is the maximum trunk diameter that will fit into the stand’s base. Most stands can handle tree trunks ranging from around 2 inches to 6 inches in diameter.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-christmas-tree-stands-sep-24-test-northlight-green-live-dburreson-002-5-6f72b4c307104ae9be49900092068555.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Ease of Use
The struggle is real: Getting your tree standing straight and steady in a tree stand can be challenging. Before getting started, Aurelija Gintaliene, wedding and event planner and the COO and co-founder of Breezit, a wedding venue website, recommends cutting off the bottom couple of inches of the tree trunk. This helps the tree stand straight and also increases the tree's ability to draw up water, thus keeping it fresher longer.
Generally, it’s best to have two people working together to set up a holiday tree that’s more than 4 feet tall, with one person holding the tree in place while the other tightens the screws that secure the trunk. Most stands have three or four screws, and you need to work your way around the stand tightening it until the tree is straight and steady. However, our top pick, the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand, makes this often frustrating task much easier. Instead of separate screws, the stand has five claws that are connected by a cable and attached to a foot pedal.
Gintaliene also recommends choosing a tree stand with a spike in the center to help keep the tree steady. You might have to use a rubber mallet to gently hammer the bottom of the stand until the spike penetrates into the tree trunk. Our best basic option, the Jack-Post Handythings Christmas Tree Stand, has this feature.
Water Capacity
A real Christmas tree requires a constant supply of fresh water to prevent it from drying out, turning brown, and dropping its needles. When considering how much water your tree will need, Gintaliene says, “A guide for water should be 1 quart of water per inch of the trunk's diameter.” So in other words, a tree with a trunk up to 4 inches in diameter needs a reservoir that can hold at least 1 gallon of water.
The Jack-Post Handythings Christmas Tree Stand holds 1.3 gallons of water and is suitable for trees up to 8 feet high and with trunks up to 6 inches in diameter.
Remember to check the reservoir’s water level regularly and add water as necessary. Stands with fairly wide and low reservoirs are generally easiest to top off with water. Using a watering can with a long spout also makes the task much easier and reduces the chances of spills.
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Material
There are a few materials commonly used to make Christmas tree stands. All metal, whether iron or steel, is very sturdy and durable, although it might rust over time. Many tree stands, especially lower-priced options, have a plastic base, but the legs and screws should still be made of metal for strength. One such option that tested very well is the Northlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand.
While very heavy, cast iron is another option that not only looks good but also lends extra security to a tall and heavy tree. Ideally, a cast-iron stand should be coated to prevent rusting or corrosion. The L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand is a very attractive cast-iron stand with a baked-on green urethane finish.
A few stands, including the Tree Nest Christmas Tree Stand Base, have a metal base but the legs are made of wood instead of metal. That gives you sturdiness and a more attractive appearance.
Appearance
The typical holiday tree stand is admittedly rather utilitarian in appearance. However, that’s not an issue if you are going to cover it with a tree skirt, as most people do. But if you don’t have a lot of space for your tree, prefer not to use a tree skirt, or like a more modern and nontraditional style, then a tree stand with decorative flair, such as the Burke Decor Christmas Tree Foot, is the way to go. Shaped like a metal star, it securely holds your tree while adding a touch of decor to your living space.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-christmas-tree-stands-sep-24-test-ll-bean-heirloom-cast-iron-dburreson-004-12-e6cf540c2f9a402b91d0132e2fccd3fc.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullman is a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools. She’s set up many Christmas trees over the years, both faux and real. Her number-one requirement in a holiday tree stand is that it is sturdy enough to withstand the attention of her two curious cats.
Aside from using her personal experience to compile this list, she evaluated our insights from the Christmas tree stands we’ve tested in our lab for ease of setup and use, material, appearance, and water capacity, and reached out to other experts for more information.
Our Experts:
- Aurelija Gintaliene, wedding and event planner as well as the COO and co-founder of Breezit, a wedding venue website
- Jenica Currie, editor at The Spruce specializing in gardening, outdoors, home improvement, and gifts