There is nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree to really get you in the Christmas spirit. Not only does a real tree look the part, it’s more environmentally friendly, having one tenth of the carbon footprint of an artificial tree. And what’s more, you can recycle your tree when you are finished with it. Check out your local council recycling facilities to see how to dispose of your tree.
Choosing a tree is a real family occasion and a treat for the kids. Do you choose the big fat tree with lush green branches, or do your kids tend to feel sorry for the scraggly looking tree that nobody else wants?
Whichever kind of Christmas tree buyer you are, we’ve got a fantastic guide to help you pick the perfect tree for your home this holiday season.
Before you go out to chose your tree, measure your space! Measure not only the height but the width of the space where you plan to put your tree. Be sure to take a tape measure with you when you go to choose your tree, it is very difficult to judge how a tree will look in your home by sight alone.
Ask when the tree was cut. A healthy, freshly cut Christmas tree should last your right through the festive season, so check how long it has been standing around for!
As far as the type of tree goes, most retailers will have 3 or 4 to choose from.
The Nordman Fir is the most popular type of Christmas tree in Britain. It holds its needles really well, so you won’t be spending your festive season hoovering! And speaking of needles, this type of tree has softer needles, perfect for children who will love to help decorate it!
The Norway spruce is a traditional Christmas tree and will look beautiful adorned with lights and homemade Christmas decorations. However, it does have sharper needles which aren’t always ideal for people with children. It is also prone to drop needles if allowed to dry out too much.
The Fraser Fir is very similar to the Nordman Fir and has a beautiful citrus smell.
The Blue Spruce is usually sold as a potted tree. It has sharper needles so is not ideal for children but would look lovely out by the front door with some fairy lights. You will need to make sure you have space to plant it up after Christmas.
When you get home there are a few things you will need to do to help get the most out of your tree.
- Keep your tree outside for 24 hours before cutting about a centimetre from the bottom of the trunk and placing your tree in its stand.
- Be sure to keep your tree away from direct heat to keep it in tip top condition!