PICK THE PERFECT REAL CHRISTMAS

Pick the perfect real CHRISTMAS TREE

How to find your ideal festive tree and keep it at its best until January

hen choosing a

WChristmas 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.

Outdoor wicker LED polar bear, £49.99; Nordmann Fir pot-grown trees (from 3ft to 5ft), from £39.99, all Dobbies Garden Centres

Traditional Christmas oversized red berry wreath, £89.99; TruGlow waterproof outdoor candle trio, £26.99, Lights4Fun

Top tips for your CHRISTMAS TREE

Lynsey Abbott, from Dobbies, shares her style advice for the perfect tree

1Decide what type of tree you want, as this will affect the final look. Certain varieties will bring a traditional scheme to life, while others will lend themselves to a more contemporary, Scandi style. Consider height, too – if you’re going for a glam-luxe vibe, a tall tree gives an elegant look.

2You usually need more lights than you think to make your tree really sparkle, so before adding baubles and decorations, switch them on to check it has a good covering of lights.

3Make the tree part of the Advent countdown. Bake homemade treats or wrap numbered mini presents in brown paper and tie to the tree with ribbon.

4As a rule, the larger the bauble, the lower down it should be. Start with the smallest at the top and work your way down.

5Rather than wait for gifts to be laid under the tree to hide the base, use a tree skirt to ensure it doesn’t distract from your décor.

3 of the best MOST POPULAR TREES

GREAT IN SMALL SPACES

FRASER FIR This is a narrower tree, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It has a conical shape, slight citrus scent and a gorgeous blueish hue.

NORWAY SPRUCE A traditional tree with slim branches and a rich festive scent, this is often regarded as the quintessential Christmas tree.

NORDMANN FIR The UK’s most popular tree, its soft needles are slow to drop so it maintains its dense, lush look throughout the festive season.

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