Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Once we felt the tree was secure, we locked the foot pedal in place.

Christmas tree standing with three different stands

Dera Burreson

The Spruce

We liked that the stand was assembled and ready to go right out of the box.

Thats a big tree.

Of course, we dont recommend you try that at home.

Krinner Tree Genie XXL

PHOTO: Amazon

The bucket-shaped holder is also made of heavy plastic, but the stand’s legs are metal.

We tested it at its maximum with a 9-foot tree and it was very secure.

We found it easy to add water to the base, which holds 1.27 gallons of water.

A person adjusts the tension on the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

The Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand was the easiest to install, with claws and a foot pedal you use to secure it into place.The Spruce

Tree Nest also offers the stand in smaller sizes for correspondingly smaller trees.

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.

A person adjusts a tree in the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: The Spruce

Theres even a slight lip around the base of the stand to catch any stray water drips.

Theres also a larger version for trees up to 10 feet tall.

However, we tested it without additional weight and had no issues with tipping or wobbling.

A person adjusts the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

Our favorite is the Burke Decor Christmas Tree Foot.

The stand is metal with plastic casters.

The metal legs can be extended or retracted as needed for extra stability.

A person adds water to the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

However, youll definitely want to cover the stand with a tree skirt, as it is rather unattractive.

We then tested eight Christmas tree stands of various sizes, styles, and materials.

We started by assembling the stands according to the manufacturers directions.

A person covers the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand with a cloth tree stand cover

Each stand was tested with the tree closest to its stated maximum height capacity.

We found it best to usea broomand ashop vacuumto clean up the mess.

However, the stand was very secure once we achieved that, even when bumped.

A person removes the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand from the box

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.

Its best hidden beneath a tree skirt, as its quite basic in design.

A person adjusts a tree in the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

And, of course, your artificial tree doesnt require a water basin.

Height: Going beyond the stand’s maximum height can lead to your tree tipping over.

Our best overall pick, theKrinner Tree Genie, is available in multiple heights to fit your tree.

A person adjusts the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

Most stands can handle tree trunks ranging from around 2 inches to 6 inches in diameter.

Gintaliene also recommends choosing a tree stand with a spike in the center to help keep the tree steady.

Our best basic option, theJack-Post Handythings Christmas Tree Stand, has this feature.

A person adds water to the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

Remember to check the reservoirs water level regularly and add water as necessary.

Stands with fairly wide and low reservoirs are generally easiest to top off with water.

Material

There are a few materials commonly used to make Christmas tree stands.

A person covers the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand with a cloth tree stand cover

One such option that tested very well is theNorthlight Green Live Christmas Tree Stand.

Ideally, a cast-iron stand should be coated to prevent rusting or corrosion.

TheL.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Standis a very attractive cast-iron stand with a baked-on green urethane finish.

A person removes the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand from the box

That gives you sturdiness and a more attractive appearance.

Appearance

The typical holiday tree stand is admittedly rather utilitarian in appearance.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Amazon Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: Amazon

Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools.

Shes set up many Christmas trees over the years, both faux and real.

Article image

A person adds water to the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: The Spruce

Two people steady a tree in the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person places a tree skirt around the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person adds water to the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

Two people steady a tree in the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

A person places a tree skirt around the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

Amazon Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

PHOTO: Amazon

A person unboxes the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

We assembled and dissembled the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand during testing.The Spruce

Two people adjust the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand and tree

PHOTO: The Spruce

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person waters the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person places a tree skirt around the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

Two people adjust the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand and tree

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person assembles the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person waters the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

A person places a tree skirt around the Tree Nest Cosmopolitan Christmas Live Tree Stand

L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: L.L.Bean

Article image

People decorate a tree in the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: The Spruce

A person assembles the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

People place a tree into the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person adds water to the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person wraps a tree skirt around the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

People decorate a tree in the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

People place a tree into the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person adds water to the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

A person wraps a tree skirt around the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: Amazon

Two people adjust a tree in the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: The Spruce

Water is poured into the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a screw on the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts the screws on the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

Two people cover the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand with a tree skirt

Two people adjust a tree in the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

Water is poured into the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts a screw on the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person assembles the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

A person adjusts the screws on the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand

Two people cover the JACK-POST Handythings Christmas Tree Stand with a tree skirt

Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

PHOTO: Ferm Living

The Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot is adjusted

PHOTO: The Spruce

Two people adjust the skirt around the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

Two people adjust the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adds water to the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts a tree in the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

The Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot is adjusted

Two people adjust the skirt around the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

Two people adjust the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adds water to the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

A person adjusts a tree in the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

Tree Nest Rolling Artificial Christmas Tree Stand

PHOTO: Tree Nest

Two people adjust the Ferm Living Christmas Tree Foot

The Spruce

Article image

A person adjusts a tree inside the Northlight Green Metal Live Christmas Tree Stand

The Spruce

A person adds water to the Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand

The Spruce

A person wraps a tree skirt around the L.L.Bean Heirloom Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand

The Spruce