The joy of choosing the perfect Christmas tree marks the beginning of the festive season for many families. This cherished tradition involves a central role in decorating and presenting gifts, accompanied by the delightful scent of freshly cut pine. Opting for an eco-conscious and biodegradable tree has become increasingly popular. However, the wide array of sizes and varieties can make selecting the ideal tree for your home a daunting task. To ease your decision-making process, Andy Little, British Garden Centres Christmas tree buyer, has compiled this helpful guide.
- Measure Your Space in Advance:
- When visiting your local British Garden Centres store for a real Christmas tree, keep in mind that outdoor plant areas often make trees appear smaller. To ensure a perfect fit in your room, measure the height and space where you plan to place the tree. Don’t forget to account for the stand and the tree-top decoration when taking measurements.
- Which Variety to Choose:
- The Nordmann Fir is a popular choice during Christmas, known for its symmetrical shape, well-spaced branches, soft and glossy dark green foliage, and excellent needle retention. It’s perfect for families with children and pets.
- British Garden Centres also offer the Norway Spruce, a traditional-looking tree with a long-lasting fragrance and ample branches for decorations.
- The Fraser Fir is favored for its needle retention, dark blue-green color, and fresh scent.
- The Blue Spruce, with its symmetrical shape and attractive blue foliage, is another option. All our trees are pot-grown and come with a decorative pot cover. With proper care, these trees can be planted outside to enjoy year after year.
- Picking Your Tree:
- When selecting your Christmas tree, gently shake it to check if any needles are falling off.
- Examine the color of the needles – green and shiny needles indicate a fresh and healthy tree, while yellowing, loose needles suggest an older tree.
- You can also assess the tree’s freshness by lifting it off the ground from halfway up the trunk; a heavier tree is a sign of more water content and freshness.
- Consider Space Between Branches:
- Take into account the space between the branches and the type of decorations you plan to use. More space between branches is suitable for adding numerous ornaments, while a fuller tree provides a denser look.
- Choose the Right Stand:
- Ensure you have a sturdy tree stand for your cut tree to maintain its health. Remember that taller trees require wider stands. Selecting a stand with ample water-holding capacity will help your tree thrive throughout the festive season.
- Setting Up Your Tree at Home:
- After acquiring your Christmas tree, keep it outside for as long as possible before bringing it indoors.
- Trim 3cm off the trunk to allow better water absorption.
- Place the tree in the stand with water, position it in an open, well-ventilated area, and keep it away from radiators.
- Caring for Your Tree:
- Real Christmas trees generally last 4-6 weeks. Keep your tree hydrated with fresh water to prolong its lifespan. The tree may initially drink a significant amount of water, gradually decreasing after the first week.
For Artificial Trees:
- Measure your available space for your artificial tree.
- British Garden Centres offer a wide selection of artificial trees, including plain trees for personal decoration, LED trees with pre-attached lights for easy setup, and pre-decorated trees with natural-looking ornaments.
British Garden Centres provides a diverse range of Christmas trees and artificial trees, ensuring that you find the perfect tree to make your festive season truly special.
Photo by Any Lane: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hands-of-black-men-holding-conifer-tree-branches-5727730/