Real Christmas Tree Advice please

1jim

Hi
Am thinking about getting a real christmas tree this year but have never had one before, so I would love some help in this, is there anything I need to think about/look out for, which type are the best, how much do they cost, where is the best place to buy one (garage, b&q, christmas tree seller etc) as you can see need a lot of help with this one
many thanks
Jim

clairefun

I can't be a great deal of help as I've only ever had one real one and hubby sorted it out - but we too are considering it this year, our boy is three now and I think it'd be lovely. We got ours from a tree seller and it lasted really well, the cat used to drink from the water reservoir so I'm sure it must have run out of water quite often!

They really are much nicer - though often take up more space as they tend to be 'rounder' from what I've seen. My mother in law has a real one every year and we're always a bit jealous, and never really had the space before. I'll ask hubby when he rings from work if he knows much much they cost, and if he has any ideas with your other questions, as he's more used to them than me!

becky_sleaf

Hi, I've always found Asda great! £13 last year for a real tree.:xmastree: They have them in various sizes so you can pretty much go in & pick the best of the bunch. They are also potted some you can always plant them afterwards!
Stay away from B&Q etc as i always find them really expensive!

Hope this is of some help!

Beate

I agree totally, we get ours from ASDA every year.

Cylindus

Last year I got a 6' Lodgepole pine (picture here) from ebay for £35 delivered, the needles are soft not spiky and they are the best for needle retention. Our tree had cones and it smelt fabulous.

charlies_mum

I go to a local garden centre and buy one - can't remember the name but it is a spruce and doesn't shed needles. It usually costs about £35.

Just a tip if you do buy a real one, I use an old blanket to wrap it in to get it out of the house, this cuts down on the amount of needles that drop off

trace_567

Last year I left it very late to get a tree, I wanted a potted tree that wasn't the sort with sharp needles. I ended up getting it from here http://www.thechristmastreefarm.co.uk/xs_shop.asp?cat=28902 the delivery was super fast. The tree was a really nice shape. Only problem I had was the pot it came in was too small so it needed changing. I just used a big orange bucket and took the handle off and covered it in tin foil, and tied a bow round it with tinsel.

I'd avoid the Norway spruce trees. even though they are much cheaper the needles drop more. The needles are prickly and they can be a real pain to decorate as you keep getting pricked by the needles.

This link might be helpful in explaining the tree varieties. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plantprofile_xmastree.shtml

sethsgran

I always get ours from a local farm they start selling 1st December. They recomend buying as soon as you see them on sale as they are all chopped at same time and just stored. We then stand it in the garden in a bucket of water until bringing it inside. We have a tree stand that we top up with water. I love the Norwegian Spruce but they drop their needles so I usually go for another fir. We live in outskirts of a very large city here in Yorkshire but luckily don't need to travel far to find a farm. Don't buy a netted one without checking the shape. It's best to buy from one where they net it after you have chosen.

CLARABEL

wow

a real tree can't be beaten!

i agree, don't go for the cheapest, or you'll be cursing the needles until next christmas ... believe, me i'm not kidding....i know form bitter experience!

go for one that's known to be low drop, try and get t froma local farm, locally grown. look online to see what's around, and don't leave it too late if you want a choice.. i always leave it too late...bah!


:T