Advice on caring for your fresh Christmas tree

 

We have lots of tips and advice for anyone thinking of having a fresh Christmas tree this Yuletide.

Our handy hints for caring for a cut Christmas tree include:

• Store your tree in cool conditions away from wind and direct sunlight.
• To prevent dehydration put the base of the tree in a bucket of water. 
• Cut 25-50 millimetres (one to two inches) from the base of the tree before putting it in a stand that has water holding facilities. This will break the natural seal on the base of the trunk and the tree will be able to take up as much water as it requires.
• To remove any old needles, hold the tree up-right and bang the bottom of it on the ground. We would advise doing this before you bring the tree into the house.
• Once your tree is inside it will need to be watered every day and may drink anything between 1.125-4.5 litres (two pints to a gallon) of water a day. It is important to make sure you do not allow the tree to dry out.
• Remove the netting once the tree is in its stand and in the correct spot.
• Avoid placing the tree near a fire, radiator or warm lighting as it will dry out and this can cause needle drop or drooping branches. In some cases even watering your tree will not stop this happening.

If you are opting for a container grown tree we suggest:

• Until you are ready to decorate your tree, keep it outside.  
• Make sure you place the tree away from direct heat. Ensure you water the tree regularly and don’t allow it to dry out. 
• Once Christmas is over you can either plant the tree out in your garden or re-pot it into a larger pot. When taking the tree out after Christmas do not put it straight out into an exposed situation – instead allow it to acclimatise in a garage or sheltered spot.
• Remember to feed your tree during the growing season.