There is nothing quite like the charm of a real Christmas Tree, the smell, the feel and of course the yearly tradition of selecting one to take home with you! But how do you know what tree to choose? There are so many different types, sizes and shapes, this memorable part of the Christmas season almost becomes a chore! We have put together a comprehensive list of our top tips to make the process as smooth and fun as possible!
Top Tip No.1: Decide the type of tree you want.
Traditionally in the UK, the go to type of tree was the Norway Spruce. However as times moved on and Christmas became a month long affair, we needed alternatives which lasted longer whilst retaining that Christmas vibe.
Introducing the Nordmann Fir tree. This variety of tree offered fantastic needle retention, a fresh pine smell and a long 3-4 week lifespan in the right conditions. The Nordmann Fir has quickly become the UK's best selling variety of Christmas tree.
Of course there are other types of tree which hold their needles well, smell beautiful and have a long life span such as the Fraser Fir, Noble Fir and Douglas Fir, however due to their uncommonness they can be a bit more pricey, which is why the public has gravitated more toward the Nordmann Fir.
It is always best to research which tree variety you would prefer before heading down to pick it out!
Top Tip No.2: Measure your space!
There is nothing worse then bringing your tree home only for it to be too big or too small for the area you intended to put it in. So before you fall in love with a towering tree be sure to measure the space including the ceiling, with and length of the area.
The average UK home has a ceiling height of 7ft 10 inches (about 2.4m) so use this as a guide but your home may vary!
Don't forget to measure the space INCLUDING the height of your tree topper! And just to be sure, bring that handy tape measure with you to ensure your chosen tree will fit perfectly!
Top Tip No.3: Check for freshness.
When you buy a tree from Mossys, you won't have to worry about freshness as we are extremely particular about the trees we sell and ensure that no trees are dropping needles or are dry before they go out on display.
However this may not be the case with other places, so here are some handy tips on how to check if a Christmas tree is fresh or not.
- Needle Testing: Gently pull a branch through your hand. Fresh trees will retain their needles on the branch and feel flexible.
- Colour Testing: Look for trees with vibrant, dark green needles. Avoid trees with brown patches or dark and dull colours.
- Trunk Testing: Check to make sure that at the trunks cut is moist and retaining water. A dry trunk could mean a dry tree.
Top Tip No.4: Consider the shape, grade & fullness of your tree.
Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes so deciding if you would prefer a perfectly symmetrical tree, a fuller bushier tree or one with unique layers and quirks!
At Mossys Garden Centre, we un-net a large amount of our trees so you can get a better view of all its angles to ensure it matches the vision you have for your Christmas tree!
We only buy in first and second grade trees which helps to ensure that you get a quality tree every time.
- First Grade: (Orange Tag, Red Tag, Pink Tag, Black Tag)
- First grade trees are a premium tree which have been selected for their fullness and symmetrically. You will find the best shapes with First Grade trees but they will cost slightly more than others.
- Second Grade: (Blue Tag, White Tag)
- Second grade trees are trees which you may find to be a bit less full, with their shapes being more layered and sparse. However these trees wont break the bank and will last just as long as first grade Trees!
Top Tip No.5: Think sustainably
Whilst you may find trees sold in a lot of super markets and chain owned stores, consider shopping local at Christmas for your tree. Mossys Garden Centre is a family run garden centre and has been for over 25+ years. We are passionate about providing you with quality at fantastic prices and it can really make a world of difference to consider the little local shop every now and again! Especially at Christmas.
In the interest of sustainability we also offer a Tree Collection Service once the festive season is over. We can collect your tree and have it donated to animal farms for feed or recycled into wood chips which can be used to help grow our amazing range of bedding plants at one of our local suppliers!
Top Tip No.6: Make it a family adventure!
Christmas is all about family and togetherness! Bring your family to help choose your tree to enjoy the lights, festive music and to make the experience magical for everyone.
Tree Aftercare
Once you have selected your prefect tree, keeping it fresh throughout the season is a must to ensure you get the most out of your fresh cut tree. Here are some handy tips on keeping your tree fresh throughout the Festive season.
- Make sure you have a stand that holds water - Cut about an inch (3cm) off the bottom of your tree to give it a fresh draw for water. Your tree can drink up to a litre of water a day, so treat it like a cut flower and keep your stand topped up to help retain moisture indoors.
We recommend a Cinco stand for a robust and sturdy stand that holds loads of water!
- Keep away from heat sources - Position your tree away from the fire, radiators or any where warm. Keeping it cool is the best way to extend your trees life span.
You can read more about looking after your Christmas Tree in our helpful guide here.
Our Final Thoughts!
Selecting the perfect real Christmas tree is a fantastic tradition that kicks off the tone for the holiday season! By considering your space, tree type and care needs, you can bring home a Christmas tree that not only looks amazing but will stay fresh throughout the holiday! But most of all, enjoy the process! Choosing a Christmas tree is a chance to make lasting memories with loved ones!
Happy tree hunting, and may your holidays be merry and bright!
