How to select & care for a fresh Christmas tree
When selecting your tree there are lots of things to consider. Make sure you measure the space where it will go, as you don’t want a tree that’s too small or too big.
Think about your colour scheme before making your selection. The colour of the tree is important too as this helps show off your decorations.
You also need to consider your decorations when choosing a tree. Don’t go for a tree variety that is bushy if you have lots of dangling decorations as they will not hang well. If you have lots of LED lights a dense tree type will give maximum impact.
Keep it cool
As soon as you get your cut tree home, store it somewhere cool, away from wind and sunlight. Also put the base of the tree in a bucket of water to prevent dehydration.
When you are ready to put your tree up, you should cut off 25-50 millimetres or one-two inches from the base of the tree before putting it in a stand that has water holding facilities. By doing this you will have broken the natural seal on the base of the trunk and the tree will be able to take up as much water as it requires.
Before bringing your tree inside hold the tree upright and bang the bottom of the trunk onto the ground. This will remove any old needles.
A cut tree will require water every day. Do not allow the tree to dry out.
Once inside
Once the tree is in its stand and in the correct spot remove the netting it has been covered with.
Avoid placing the tree near a fire, radiator or warm lighting as it will dry out with the potential effect of causing needle drop or drooping branches.
It’s also important to measure the height of the room too as you don’t want to buy a tree that’s too small or one that will scrape the ceiling.
Where to get your tree & more free advice
Most of our member garden centres have fresh Christmas trees usually from the middle of November, depending on stock availability.
Their teams can give handy hints on how to improve air circulation, preventing the tree from overheating in the middle and avoiding needle loss.
To find you nearest member garden centre, please check here.