How To Buy A Real Christmas Tree

A large majority of the 10.5 million Christmas trees bought in the UK each year are real trees. The bestselling tree is the Nordmann fir which has overtaken the previously most popular tree, the Norway spruce. Its soft foliage and good needle retention has made this the most popular tree.

How do you find a quality tree for Christmas and how do you take care of it so its needles are not falling by the handful?

Before you buy your tree consider where it will stand. You need to find a place away from sources of heat such as radiators, fireplaces and televisions. If you want to keep your tree in perfect condition it is important that it does not get too hot.

How much space do you have? Measure the space you have available so you know the maximum height and spread of the tree that you should buy.

Choosing a Tree

If your tree is going to be on display on all sides then all sides must look as good as possible. If it is going to be set up in a corner the side away from view is not so important.

Real Christmas trees are sold in three ways: cut trees, container grown trees and trees that have been dug up and potted (containerised). Container grown or cut trees have been shown to perform best. Containerised or potted trees which perform less well are often only available in smaller sizes.

Try to get a fresh tree that has been cut or containerised recently. A fresh tree will have flexible needles that do not fall off when you run a branch through your fingers and its needles will not be turning brown. For cut trees remember to buy a stand that holds water.

If you do not put up the tree at once store it away from wind and freezing temperatures. Before you bring it indoors cut an inch from the butt and stand it in water.

The keys to keeping your tree healthy once you have brought it indoors and put it up are watering and temperature. Make sure the water level is always above the base of the trunk and that the base does not dry out. If it does the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. Do not allow the tree to get too hot. For fire safety reasons and to minimise the drying effect on the tree disconnect the Christmas tree lights at night.

Most local authorities provide a Christmas tree recycling service at the end of the holiday season. In addition, a container grown tree can be planted in the garden and used again next year.

If you want an alternative to a real Christmas tree there are now lots of artificial tree designs. There are a range of colors including black trees and blue trees, also half trees. Fibre optic Christmas trees are a modern and colorful alternative. Finally, 2008 saw the introduction of upside down trees and the reversible tree.