Ditch the tinsel – go for a real tree
The yearly Yuletide battle – real v fake trees. If you want the magic of a live one, here are some tips on caring for a real Christmas tree. It’s an argument that’s gone on for years in our house. 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. It’s also one of the only incentives I have to clean in the year.
A live tree’s reputation for dropping needles comes from two main sources. The only trees you used to get were Picea abies (Norway spruce), which do drop. 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? Read more about potting up a real Christmas tree.
Caring for a real Christmas tree – reputable suppliers
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. 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 also 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. I’ve bought a lodgepole pine in the past, which was a good buy, as its branches don’t stick out too far.
Tips to keep a tree fresh
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.
- When caring for a real Christmas tree, 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, as this will increase the chance of the tree rapidly drying out.
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 https://www.bctga.co.uk.
Caring for a real Christmas tree – plants in pots
Your other option is a live tree with a rootball. Obviously, because of the weight, you’re going to get a smaller tree (and they’re expensive). The advantage is you can plant it outside in the garden when you’re finished. However, if a live tree is inside for longer than 10 days, it will be less likely to survive once planted.
Before bringing it inside, put it in the garage or in the porch for a few days, so it is not as shocked by the temperature difference. You’ll want to do the same when bringing it back outside.
