How to Choose and Care for your Christmas Tree

Follow our top tips on how to choose and keep your Christmas tree in tip top condition so it looks perfect for Christmas day.

At the Garden Centre:

Take your time and make it into a family event. Choosing a tree should be fun
Most trees are cut at the same time so there is little benefit in waiting for a later delivery
Don't buy a tree that you can't examine. If the trees are netted you can't see the shape or the quality of the tree. Trees that are stored in nets heat up in the middle and the needles start to compost. When you take the net off the tree there is a much higher chance of needle drop
If you do buy a tree that you can't see because you can't remove the net (many DIY stores sell this way) then lift a few trees and feel the weight. Then buy one of the heaviest. It is more likely to have more branches and needles.
Take someone with you to hold the trees so you can examine it from all sides or ask one of the Garden Centre staff to do this for you. Don't be afraid to look at a number of trees until you find the perfect one
Make sure the base of the tree will fit into your chosen tree stand. Some can have very large trunks that would need a lot of shaping to fit into your stand
Remember a tree will look bigger in your home than in the Garden Centre, buy a tree that fits your space
Once you have chosen the perfect tree the Garden Centre will re-net the tree for you so that it is easier to fit into your car. Some Garden Centres also offer a delivery service

When you get your tree home:

Leave tree outside for a long as possible. The cooler the tree is kept the better it will retain its needles. Un-net the tree if you are leaving it outside for any length of time (you can leave it in its stand in the garden until you are ready)
Cut the bottom 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the bottom of your tree. Then place the tree in a stand that holds water. A Krinner Tree Stand is great for this. Cutting the bottom off the tree allows it to take up water, keeping the needles hydrated, so minimising needle drop
Do not place your tree next to a heat source as it will dry out the needles
Test your lights to make sure they work before you put them on the tree
Lights, tinsel then decorations is the easiest way to dress your tree

Caring for your tree once it is up:

Your tree will require water so check the water containing reservoir every day and keep it topped up
In the first couple of days the tree can use a couple of pints of water a day
Do not mist your tree if it has lights on it
The cooler the room the happier your tree will be

Disposing of your tree:

Cut into sections and put it into your green waste
Take to your civil amenity site
Check if your local Garden Centre takes trees back to be shredded
Investigate local charities as some collect and dispose of your tree for a donation
If you have bought a living Christmas tree, plant the tree in the garden or keep it in its container and treat it as you would any normal container plant. A Christmas tree is just a conifer in disguise!