Ten top tips for choosing the best Christmas tree
Still to get your Christmas tree? Here are ten top tips for when it comes to choosing your tree to help ensure it lasts over the festive period.
Plant experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.
A Christmas tree is, for many, one of the main symbols of Christmas, with the act of picking one signifying the start of the festivities.
However, in order for the trees to take pride of place in the house, the correct size, shape and type of tree must be chosen.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.
“For many the smell of a fresh Christmas tree is the draw to choosing a real one, but in order to keep this, and the whole tree smelling fresh, there are a number of things that must be done.
“As with anything, preparation is key. Knowing the space it will be places, the height and shape of the tree you want and being prepared to keep watering it will make sure it looks as good as new for as long as possible.”
These are GardenBuildingsDirect.co.
1. Pick a quality tree stand
It should be sturdy to ensure there’s no spillages over the festive season. Remember the taller the tree the wider the diameter, so this also needs to be taken into account. A stand which can hold a lot of water will also mean that watering isn’t something else to add onto your to-do list.
2. Buy your tree at the right time
Buy it too soon and it won’t be looking it’s best come the big day. Norway spruces usually last around 12 days, so not ideal if you’re planning to buy in early December. Nordmann firs however, are excellent due to needles not dropping, but this does cause them to be more expensive.
3. Measure, measure, and measure again
There’s nothing worse than picking the perfect tree, taking it home and having to cut at it. Before you leave home make sure you’ve measured the amount of space you can give your tree – width and height. You can then measure the tree before you purchase it. Don’t forget to take into account the height a stand could give you!
4. Make a fresh cut
Once you get home, cut off at least half an inch from the bottom of the trunk so the tree will begin to soak up water immediately.
5. Decide where to place the tree
Putting your tree near sunny windows, radiators, heating vents and fireplaces can quickly dry it out causing it to die quicker. Keeping it away from busy areas will also help it keep its needles for longer.
6. Know what kind of tree you want
Each tree species is different, so knowing what you want before you go to buy it can help save you a lot of time. If you have children or pets opting for a pine or fire tree means you there will only be soft needles. Spruce trees have much sharper needles which can hurt once stepped on. Trees with shorter needles are often easier to decorate as they offer more space between branches.
7. Trim any rogue branches
If you trim straggly branches, make sure it’s at an angle parallel to the floor so they’re not obvious. You can then use these branches to decorate fireplaces and bannisters, just make sure you keep them in water until you decorate.
8. Make sure the tree is securely in the stand
It is sometimes easier to place the tree in the stand outside to stop loose needles from falling inside the house. Tip the tree on is side and tighten the levelling clamps of the stand around the base of the trunk. Then lift the tree into the standing position before carrying it to it’s new home.
9. Maintain your tree’s moisture
To keep your tree alive for as long as possible make sure it always has a supply of fresh water. It may drink a lot over the first few days, but after around a week intake should slow down.
10. Check the tree’s freshness
The best way to do this is to bend a single needle in half. A needle from a fresh fir tree will snap, whereas one from a fresh pine will bend but not break. Needles should also look shiny and green and shouldn’t fall off when you lightly pull on a branch.
Or you could always get an artificial tree instead? – Ed
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