Caring for your traditional Christmas tree

Decorated, fresh Christmas trees are THE symbol of the festivities.

Here are our five at a glance tips to help keep your tree looking lovely and lush for longer:

• After you have bought your tree it should be kept in a cool, shaded place, preferably standing water, until it is required indoors.
• Before bringing your tree indoors, it is an advantage to cut about half an inch off its trunk to help it to be able to take up water.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The more water you give your tree the fresher it will stay so keep the container topped up with water daily. Needle fast varieties will stay looking good well into the New Year.
• Treat your tree like any plant or cut flowers being brought into a warm, dry atmosphere. Mount it in a water-holding stand.
• Place it away from direct heat.