Never has there been so much variety on offer. But which should you choose? The answer depends on how long you intend on keeping it indoors, the conditions you'll be keeping it in and, of course, your personal preferences. Here's what you may find on sale.
Picking a Christmas Tree
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
The Norway spruce is usually the cheapest cut tree compared with other species but it doesn't hold on to its needles well so make sure it has been harvested recently and treated with an anti-dessicant spray (ask the vendor). Needle retention will also be boosted if the base of the tree is kept in contact with water, which should be changed every few days to prevent it from going stale and smelling. Also keep the Norway spruce away from radiators and open fires to improve its longevity.
It's a popular tree in western Europe and the one you'll find in the middle of Trafalgar Square and outside 10 Downing Street in London each year - donated by Norway. It's common in UK homes because it has an attractive triangular shape, dark green needles and a reasonably strong fragrance. Its dense habit and numerous branches also make it to decorate and wrap lights and bunting around.
Nordman Fir (Abies nordmanniana)
Especially popular in Denmark but originally from southern Russia, the Nordman fir holds onto its needles for longer than many other species. Many sellers advertise it as being 'non-drop', but it will lose its needles eventually - it's just that it tends to do this after about a month, and it's usually discarded by then.
Another variety with a good shape, It has soft, deep green foliage and attractive pale bark but it isn't as dense as the Norway spruce and that puts some people off. The Nordman fir tends to be pricey due to its reluctance to drop needles, so shop around.
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens glauca)
An attractive colour but it hasn't caught on in a big way as a Christmas tree. However, its good conical shape makes it suitable for being festooned with Christmas ornaments. However, those glaucous needles are very sharp, so wear thick gloves when moving it into and out of the house. Like the Nordman fir, it also holds onto its needles well, although the base of the cut trunk needs to be in contact with water to extend its longevity.
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia)
Its more rounded shape and yellowy green needles mean this variety is mostly grown outdoors in the garden rather than being cut and used as a Christmas tree. However, some more specialist suppliers sell it as such. It's an inland variety of the north American shore pine and its straight stem was used by the North American Indians for the central supporting pole of their lodges or wigwams.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
It is the UK's only native timber-producing conifer and is a native of the once extensive Caledonian pine forests. However it also grows across large parts of northern Europe, Russia and into east Asia. Not a very dense habit but attractive blue green foliage, the Scots pine is more likely to be used as a municipal Christmas tree by your local town.
Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)
Really unusual in having an almost fastigiate habit, this one is a long-term favourite in central Europe but less so in other parts of the world. It is grown in a small region in the Tara Mountains of the Serbian Republic and grows tall and thin - another one for the town square.
Noble Fir (Abies procera)
Looser in habit than most other coniferous Christmas trees, Abies procera's needles are upwards-facing and bluish grey, which can make decorating interesting. It was introduced into Britain in 1830, and is a native of the forests of Washington and Oregon, where it grows to a huge height. The cones sit upright on the stems, although small trees will be too young to bear them.
Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
Long popular in the east of the US, it's only recently made its way into homes in western Europe and has yet to catch on in a big way due to its loose habit. However, it's ideal as a Christmas tree in the front yard, where it will accommodate large, showy decorations and lights to good effect.
Tips for Making Your Christmas Tree Last Longer
- Needle-retaining spray - Unless you keep the house cool at Christmas, you're bound to end up with a few needles on the floor, come 11th night, whichever variety you go for. But there are ways of minimising needle drop, and the first is to treat the tree with an anti-desiccant spray. Wilt Pruf is a popular product but if there are women in your house you'll probably already have something to hand that does an equally good job: hairspray. The Aminomethyl Propanol contained within proprietary brands seals the moisture in and stops the tree transpiring and losing moisture.
- Freshly harvested Christmas trees - Don't be shy! Ask the tree farm when the trees you're looking at were harvested. They may look healthy now but they may start dropping needles after only a few days if they were cut down a fortnight ago. Fold a needle back until the tip touches the stem to make a circle. If it breaks or does not bounce back, chances are the tree is old and dry.
- Keep your Christmas tree cool - When you get your tree home, place it in a cool, sheltered area such as an unheated garage or basement, where it is protected from the outside elements until you are ready to put it up (cut trees should be placed in water as soon as possible).Watch the water level closely, especially in the first six to eight hours and regularly monitor thereafter. Do not place the tree near heat sources such as fireplaces, televisions and radiators as this will dry the tree out prematurely.
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