Ditch the tinsel – go for a real tree
Real or fake? An argument that goes on in many a home – if you want a living conifer, here are some tips for a top real Christmas tree. My other half doesn’t want the bother of the needles, putting it up and disposing of the corpse. On the other hand, I think it is one of the integral parts of the festive season, and one of the only incentives I have to clean in the year.
A live tree’s reputation of dropping needles comes from two main sources: the only trees you used to get were Picea abies (Norway spruce), which does drop needles. This was made much worse by the trees not being watered. Think of a Christmas tree as a huge vase of flowers – you wouldn’t leave that without water, would you? Also, think about where you buy them – I avoid the big DIY stores, etc, and go to nurseries – it’s a welcome boost at a terrible time of year for the trade. Head for somewhere that has a good reputation and expertise in buying and selling trees – you usually find they’ll deliver, too.
Go to a grower
Of course, you can go straight to the grower if you’re lucky enough to live anywhere near a commercial plantation. If you decide on a live cut tree (without roots), the bestselling “non-drop” tree is the Nordmann fir. The blue spruce has an attractive colour and holds its needles well. The Douglas fir can cost more than others, while the balsam fir holds its needles even as its branches dry out. Last year, I bought a lodgepole pine, which was a good buy, as its branches don’t stick out too far.
When picking a tree, here are some good tips:
- Make sure it is relatively free of brown needles.
- Go to a reputable supplier who’s knowledgeable about trees and can cut off a bit off the bottom of the trunk to make sure the tree will absorb water. This should be done less than an hour before putting the tree in the stand.
- Check regularly to make sure the tree has enough water.
- Do not put the tree near a window, fireplace, radiator, stove or other sources of heat. This will increase the chance of the tree rapidly drying out.
Tips for a top real Christmas tree – buy one with a rootball
Your other option is a live tree with a rootball. Due to the weight, you’re going to get a smaller tree (and they’re expensive). The advantage is that you can plant it outside in the garden when you’re finished. If a live rootball tree stays inside for longer than 10 days, it is less likely to survive once planted. Before bringing it inside, put it in the garage or porch for a few days to minimise any temperature difference. You’ll want to do the same when bringing it back outside.
My mother did this when I was a child, but planted it next to the front door. It had to be removed when it outgrew its welcome. Environmentally wise, most trees come from Christmas tree farms, not natural forests, and are replaced. Most councils now offer a recycling scheme after Christmas, too. The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association has a list of sellers on its website (www.christmastree.org.uk).
Learn how to recycle Christmas trees.
