Pick the perfect real
CHRISTMAS TREE How to find your ideal festive tree and keep it at its best until January
W
hen choosing a Christmas tree for your home there are lots of things to consider. Here are our top tips on how to find the one that best meets all of your needs.
How do I know if it’s fresh and good quality? Needle retention is a good indicator of a tree’s freshness. To test it, lift the tree by the trunk and tap it on the ground. If too many needles fall off, look for an alternative.
What do I need to do when I get it home? If you buy a cut tree, saw off the bottom 2.5cm of trunk and then stand it in water for as long as possible before bringing it indoors. This will keep it looking fresher for longer.
Does it need water? As with fresh cut flowers, a tree will last longer if you secure it in a stand with a water reservoir, and top it up every day. Don’t whittle away the sides of the trunk to make it fit the stand, as these outer layers are the most efficient at taking up water. And avoid placing a tree by a radiator.
Can I trim the tree to fit a space? It’s okay to clip off some of the larger branches lower down on the tree. In fact, you can even use them elsewhere in your home as decoration. They work really well for table centrepieces.
I’ve got a potted tree – can I use it next year? Provided you remember to plant it out in your garden in early January, a pot-grown Christmas tree will certainly be usable the following year. It requires well-drained soil, sun and a comfortable amount of space. Remember to water during dry spells.
100 | JANUARY 2021
Outdoor wicker LED polar bear, £49.99; Nordmann Fir pot-grown trees (from 3ft to 5ft), from £39.99, all Dobbies Garden Centres
