It is an important purchase at this time of year, so let’s take the guess work out of buying the perfect Christmas tree. 

Purchase Early

There is no benefit in waiting until the last minute to purchase a healthy tree for Christmas: most trees are cut at around the same time in late October/early November. Choosing early means you have the widest choice available.

Measure the Space

Measure up the space at home where you want to position the tree before purchasing it. Do know exactly how high your ceiling is? Remember to leave enough room for a tree topper and a stand, which can add at least 15-60cm (6-24in) to the eventual height.

Take a tape measure with you when you shop to double check measurements so you do not get over ambitious when choosing the tree size. Trees viewed outside or in large garden centres, tend to look smaller so stick with your measurements. 

View the Tree From Every Angle

When you find a tree you like, think abut where you will place it at home, then look at it from every angle to check for fit, proportion, and stability. Are there any bare or protruding branches? Does the tree lean to one side?

Lift the Tree

Feel the weight of the tree, the heavier the better as it will have a higher water content.

Check the Colour

Take a good look at the whole tree to check for any browning. Ideally, the tree should be a shiny, glossy green, with dark green, waxy leaves.

Check the Health of the Tree

Stroke the tree to see if the needles come off easily and if they do, select another which is not shedding needles so readily. 

Do not be afraid to give the tree a good, hard shake as you investigate it. A few brown needles falling off is nothing to worry about, but if there are many needles falling from a simple shake, or if the tree is losing a lot of green needles, the tree is already dry and will not last too long, so choose another one.

If you are concerned about needle-dropping, choose a Nordman Fir, which is known to better retain needles.

Caring for your Tree

Keep your tree away from direct sunlight, draughts, and radiator heat to avoid drying it out. A well-cared-for tree should remain fresh for at least four to five weeks before drying too much.

Top Tip: If you need to fix your tree to the roof of the car in order to get it home, always position it so the base of the tree is facing forwards to limit the risk of damages to the branches.