With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to break out the baubles and tinsel - but before that, you need a Christmas tree to decorate. Find out how to get the right tree at the right price and make it last the festive season.
If a Christmas tree isn’t yet gracing your living room this year it’s time to get your skates on – we share our tips on choosing, buying, and preserving your Christmas tree for less.
Before you begin...
There’s no point in paying out for a tree you can’t get through your front door so before you set out on your Christmas tree quest, it’s a good idea to plan where you are going to put your tree. It’s worth measuring the space you’ve designated for your Christmas tree and take the dimensions with you when you shop so that you know your tree will fit.
Also, make sure you’ll have enough space for the tree and decorations, plus any presents surrounding it and remember to choose a spot that’s away from any heat sources.
Artificial or real?
When it comes to choosing whether you want to buy an artificial tree (or lug last year’s out of the loft) or opt for a real-life tree, the decision will often come down to whether you want to care for the tree throughout the Christmas season or go for the hassle-free, no-needle-dropping artificial variety.
While a run of the mill real tree is likely to cost less in terms of initial outlay than a half-decent artificial variety, in terms of ‘cost per use’ the artificial tree is likely to be a winner as you’ll be able to use it for years to come. However, if you buy a real tree with roots you will be able to plant it in your garden (or a large pot) ready for next year so you’ll get the same benefit as long as you’re prepared to give it some TLC.
Rooted Christmas trees do tend to be more expensive than the usual rootless variety but can be worth investing in if you would usually buy a real tree each year anyway as there’s no substitution for that authentic ‘Christmas tree smell’.
What to look for in a real tree
If you’re planning on making the most of your tree for years to come and truly getting value for money, you’ll need to pick one that’s healthy and long-lasting. The longer you can keep your tree in good condition, the more cost-effective it becomes.
There are plenty of things you can look for to determine a tree’s health and lustre other than how ‘symmetrical’ it looks. Note whether the tree is planted in a pot or a larger plastic container, as this will give an indication of how long the tree will last for.
Trees that are potted have often been grown in fields then replanted in pots that are too small for them, meaning their life expectancy is shortened. Conversely trees planted in containers giving them plenty of space to stretch their roots are likely to last longer.
Inspect the tree’s needles next. If your tree is healthy it will have plenty of fresh green needles and the minimum of brown needles, closer to the trunk – if parts of your tree look dry or dull, it’s likely to be past its prime. You should also try running a branch gently through your hand to see if any needles fall off. If the needles remain intact you may have found yourself a fresh, healthy tree.
You could also try lifting the tree slightly off the ground to test its weight. It’s a good sign if it’s relatively heavy as this indicates a high water content; if it’s light it may be on its last legs. Finally, before you decide that this is the tree for you do a quick check for insects or eggs in the branches – no-one wants an aphid infestation come Christmas Day!
Caring for your tree
Now you’ve got your chosen tree safely home, it will require a little maintenance to keep it in tip top condition throughout the festive season and beyond. Keep it outside for a day or so before taking it inside, preferably in a cool, shady area of your garden. When you are about to bring it indoors, chop an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk (as long as it isn’t rooted) to allow it to take up the optimum amount of water.
Keep your Christmas tree away from any direct heat as this will dry out branches as well as run the risk of causing a fire. If you’re decorating it with electric lights it’s also best to use small bulbs that won’t make the branches too hot. Remember to top up the tree’s drinking water daily – rooted Christmas trees will be particularly thirsty inside a warm home so don’t let it dry out! If all goes well, a rootless Christmas tree should last for up to 6 weeks inside your home.
It’s likely you’ll want to take your tree down before that 6 weeks is up though, so what do you do with it then? You have several alternatives.
- Plant it for next year. This is possible if you have a rooted tree and a decent size area in your garden; simply plant your tree and care for it with plenty of water throughout the year.
- Recycle it. If you buy a tree from a retailer who is a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) you can return your tree to where you bought it from after Christmas and they will recycle it for you.
- Rent a tree. Finally, a new alternative to buying a live tree each year is to rent one especially for the Christmas period. It will be delivered to your home and collected again in January, then planted for the coming year. Trees For Rent and Christmas Tree Man are good places to start.
