It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially once your tree is beautifully decorated in sparkling lights and glistening baubles. But how do you keep your wonderful real tree looking vibrant for the whole Christmas period?
Choosing your tree.
Decide where your tree will sit and measure the space, note down the exact height and width you want. Don’t forget to take into consideration the height of the tree stand as this can greatly impact the height of the tree. Make sure the tree is placed away from any heat sources like radiators or open fires, this is dangerous, and no one wants a dehydrated tree for Christmas.
Now you can wrap up warm and find your perfect tree. Alternatively, cosy up to the fireplace and order your magical tree online, Santa’s garden elves will deliver straight to your door.
Tree-tastic tips and tricks when browsing the selection of bushy trees.
Shape and Colour: A healthy tree will have a good shape with bright shiny needles. Check the colour of the tree to make sure there is no grey or brown colouring.
The Tap Test: tap the base of the tree on the ground to check the needle retention.
Transporting your tree.
Once you have selected your tree make sure the tree is placed in a net wrapping to protect the tree needles. All trees at Chepstow Garden Centre will be netted in our new oxo-biodegradable plastic netting, which biodegrades leaving no microplastics and can even be added to your compost bins!
If transporting your tree on top of your car, make sure the base of the tree is facing forwards this protects the needles. If transporting your tree inside your car, make sure that you turn your heating off so that your tree doesn’t dehydrate.
Looking after your tree.
All Christmas trees need looking after just like your freshly cut flowers.
Once home, take off the netting allowing the branches to breathe and settle. Saw approx. 3cm from the base allowing better water consumption. Stand your tree upright and give it a good shake. Put your tree in a bucket of water and keep it outside in a shady area for ideally 24hrs.
You can then secure the tree in a water-retaining stand inside your home, don’t stand the tree in sand or soil as this will stop water from being absorbed. Now the time you’ve all been waiting for… It’s time to decorate!
Over the busy Christmas period ensure your tree doesn’t dehydrate, check the water levels every day, top-up water daily to keep needles fresh. Make sure you give them enough water as some trees need at least 1lr every day. Check the tree is kept as cool as possible and finally enjoy your gorgeously decorated Christmas tree.
After Christmas.
What is great about Christmas trees is that they can be recycled, chop them up, bag them up and send them off. You can check with your local councils as they may be able to collect your trees and take them away. Alternatively, take your tree to the nearest recycling centre. For practical use, you can shred your tree branches and spread them under garden plants to act as mulch. Or for a Christmas challenge, grow your own tree for next year. Move the tree into a sheltered area of your garden and hopefully, with good lighting and enough water, your Christmas tree could last all year round. Everyone knows it’s never too early for a Christmas tree!
Phyllis Says…
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