getting a real Xmas tree

thunderbird

Haven't had a real Xmas tree since I was a child and really fancy getting one this year.

Any tips on what to look for, which ones don't drop needles everywhere and what to use to hold it up? A local farm shop has a sign out on the road advertising them so will go and have a look at the weekend.

MaggieBaking

Personally I would be tempted to get one next weekend to make sure it lasts right through. We had a real tree for a couple of years, I didn't pick the type particularly just the one that looks prettiest. Some smell "more Christmassy" than others.

They lasted about 3 weeks and I gave them a spritz of water every day or two (a bit dangerous as I left the lights and decs on to do it - but I turned everything off at the wall etc, tried to avoid the lights and did it just before bed so there was a few hours for it to dry out.)

Rumour has it you should soak the trunk for a few hours outside before you decorate it etc, I can't remember if I did this or not.

Dilfred

There are a number of simple things to consider first when getting a real tree



Position in house

• If in the hall or by a door it may get bashed more than a corner out of the main through fair
• The hall generally is cooler than say living room, so if choosing a tree with worse needle retention, it will last better in the cooler environment
• Away from a radiator ideally

Choosing a tree

• A fresh Christmas tree will have few browning needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand.
• Decide whether you want to buy a cut tree, container grown tree or potted.
• For the longest-lasting tree, choose a cut tree or one that has been grown in a pot rather than placed in a pot (potted or containerised) having been grown in the ground.
• Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree, but it's normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.
• Make sure the base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into a stand.
• Hold it up and look at it from afar to see if it's a nice shape. If you are considering a specific place, then maybe there are ones that will fit better (triangular etc.) Also if it's an odd shape haggle on price, as most people want round triangular trees, so that one with a branch missing on back could be cheaper.

Type of tree

Nordmann fir,

• Characteristics: Cone-shaped, with open, spiky branches and a silvery bark. Long, glossy, dark green needles, with a white stripe on the underside.
• Pros: Soft foliage and great needle retention have made this Britain’s most popular Christmas tree. Will stay fresh for a long time, as long as it’s watered.
• Cons: One of the more expensive trees.

Norway spruce,

• Characteristics: Traditionally the most popular tree, but now overtaken by the Nordmann fir. Short, sharp needles, a lighter green than the Nordmann.
• Pros: One of the cheapest trees. Very soft foliage – so kids won’t hurt their hands when hanging decorations.
• Cons: Prone to dropping its needles – you need to water it regularly to prevent this.

Fraser fir,

• Characteristics: Dense and narrow, with short, flat, dark green needles.
• Pros: Strong branches and good needle retention. Its shape makes it a good choice if you only have a small space to fill, and it copes better with being planted in the garden than other tree types.
• Cons: Not as widely available as the Norway spruce or Nordmann fir.

Scots pine,

Its bushy shape can be appealing, but its long, twisted needles are tricky to hang decorations on. A strong pine smell and good needle retention are other plus points.

Serbian spruce,

A narrow tree that may have cones on its branches as it tends to flower early. The tips of the branches point upwards, making the Serbian good for hanging decorations on, but unfortunately it suffers from poor needle retention.

Blue spruce,

An attractive but hard-to-find tree, as its foliage has an eye-catching blue tinge that can be difficult for growers to achieve. It retains its needles slightly better than the other spruces.

Noble fir,

The noble fir’s short, stiff branches can be snapped off at the bottom and used to make wreaths and garlands. It features thick, broad needles with a silver underside, and it holds them very well.

Upkeep
Water regularly to minimise needle dropping
If bought cut, then trim off bottom 1" of the trunk to aid water intake when in bucket/holder etc.

Tree container
Bucket with stones in around trunk and fill with water
Tree stand with 3 screws at 120deg around tightened to trunk
New design is a strap that tightens around trunk
Pot grown, therefore in own soil with roots

Finding a supplier
Places like B&Q, Homebase, Nurseries etc are generally more expensive (6ft around 50quid)
If you can find local place like a farm with some in stock you will get alot more tree for less money (circ 30pounds for said 6ft tree)

Around us (Telford) I have noticed that trees seem to be going very quickly, so I would certainly suggest getting one this weekend.
Put it up in the back garden for a day or so before bringing indoors to allow it to rest first.

Growers etc.
This link has some information about where to go in the country to find indenpendant growers
http://www.christmastree.org.uk/tga/

Good luck and enjoy the tree. you will not regret getting a fresh one, they atre so much more fun than artifical.

thunderbird

wow, thanks - that is some comprehensive advice!

Getting excited about it now...