Well into December now, our Christmas trees are already flying out of the gates – as fast as we’re unloading them off pallets, and labelling them! A busy time for deliveries too – we’ve been making lots of local tree deliveries to neighbouring villages, including some HUGE ones for local schools, restaurants and hotels.
So how do you make sure yours lasts the distance? We have created six top tips for a longer lasting Christmas tree, to ensure that yours makes it at least until the Turkey makes it to the table, or until Auld Lang Syne rings out.
1. Make sure you choose a British grown tree – it will be a stronger, better quality tree than an imported one; and will last that much longer
2. Decide if a cut or potted tree is for you – a cut tree, if cared for properly, will last the entire festive season / around four weeks, while a potted one can live on if you have space to plant it out in the garden, or can continue re-potting it as it grows, ready for next year. Something to be aware of – a potted tree may struggle indoors for long periods of time, certainly more than 12 days; and it may only last a few years with continued potting, as it isn’t naturally suited to on-going pot cultivation
3. Measure the space you have for your tree and only consider buying a tree that you know will happily fit into this space. With a range of tree types available from reputable retailers, be sure to get advice regarding the right tree for your needs e.g. a Fraser Fir is a great needle retentive tree but often not as wide as the popular Nordman Fir, so may be a great choice for a narrower space. Also ensure you buy a fresh tree – the needles should be a nice green, flexible on the branch, and hold on the branch when you run your fingers down it
4. Cut the bottom inch of trunk off a cut tree when you get it home and place it in a sheltered spot outside, in a stand or a bucket filled with water
5. Bring the tree – cut or potted – indoors as close to Christmas as you can and position it in a cool spot, away from direct heat sources such as radiators or fires
6. Make sure that the tree continues to have a source of water once indoors – a cut one in particular, will drink a lot of water, and require daily top-ups.
It really is all about Christmas at the garden centre at this time of year – so don’t forget, in addition to the trees, we’ve got tree stands, colourful Christmas foliage plants, traditional festive houseplants, plenty of Christmas decorations, cards, gift wrap, Christmas presents… and of course the wonderful Christmas smells of mince pies and mulled wine drifting from the Garden Kitchen Cafe…
