British Garden Centres’ expert tips for choosing and decorating your Christmas tree

It’s that time of year again, Christmas is nearly upon us and with it comes the task of choosing your Christmas tree.  The perfect Christmas tree is the focal point of the home over the festive season but with so many sizes and varieties available, selecting the ideal tree can be overwhelming. British Garden Centres is here to help with our guide in choosing and decorating the perfect Christmas tree for the big day.

Which variety of real Christmas tree

The Nordmann Fir is a popular choice for Christmas trees, thanks to its symmetrical shape, well-spaced branches, and soft, dark green needles that stay on the tree for a long time. This makes it ideal for families with children and pets. If you prefer a more traditional look, the Norway Spruce is a great option. It has a strong, long-lasting fragrance and plenty of branches for hanging ornaments.

The Fraser Fir has dark blue-green needles and a fresh scent, while the Blue Spruce is a striking tree with attractive blue-green foliage. All of our trees are pot-grown and come with a decorative pot cover, minimising root disturbance. With proper care, these trees can be planted outdoors after the holidays, bringing joy for years to come. If you prefer a cut tree, our Nordmann Firs are also available as cut for you to place in a stand and add a Christmas tree skirt for your home.

How to choose your tree

When choosing a real Christmas tree, give it a gentle shake to check for needle drop. Fresh, healthy trees have green, shiny needles while yellowing or loose needles indicate an older tree. To test the freshness of a cut tree, lift it by the trunk. A heavier tree is generally fresher as it’s full of water.

Consider the space between branches when choosing a tree. If you plan to add many ornaments, a tree with wider spacing is ideal. For a denser look with just lights or tinsel, a fuller tree is the way to go.

When you visit your local British Garden Centres store to choose your Christmas tree, whether real or artificial, remember that trees can often look smaller in-store. To guarantee a perfect fit, measure the height and available space where you plan to place it. Don’t forget to account for the tree stand and any topper in your measurements.

Caring for your real tree at home

Once you’ve purchased your Christmas tree, it’s best to keep it outside for as long as possible. Before bringing it indoors, trim 3cm off the trunk to allow for better water absorption. Place the tree in a stand with water and position it in a well-ventilated area, away from radiators.  Real Christmas trees typically last 4-6 weeks. To ensure longevity, it’s crucial to keep the tree hydrated with fresh water. In the initial days, the tree may drink a significant amount of water, possibly up to 2-3 pints (1-2 litres) per day which should gradually decrease.

Introducing our artificial Fern Christmas Trees

Our Fern Christmas trees are designed to mimic real-world trees, offering a variety of styles to suit different preferences. Pine trees, with their wider branch spacing, create an open, natural look, perfect for those who prefer a rustic aesthetic or love to decorate heavily.

Fir trees, known for their dense foliage and classic cone shape, offer the quintessential Christmas tree look. Their straight, flat needles provide a traditional, festive feel. Our Spruce trees, similar to Firs in shape, feature more natural-looking branches and curved, pointed needles. These trees are ideal for those who want a lifelike, characterful tree.

Decorating your tree

This year, we have a variety of Christmas themes to suit every style. From classic to contemporary, rustic to glamorous, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking nostalgia, our Traditional, Gingham, Mulled Wine and Iced Gingerbread themes offer timeless charm. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, our Mistletoe, Woodland, and Snowflake themes provide a sophisticated look. For a bold and daring statement, our Dark Nights, Winter, and Glam themes offer dramatic and luxurious options. And for a touch of fun, our Sugarplum, Holly Berry, and Lollipop themes are sure to delight.

Andy Little at British Garden Centres said: “There’s nothing quite like choosing a Christmas tree for your home. For the most stunning Christmas trees and festive decorations, look no further than British Garden Centres and our exclusive Fern Christmas brand which has everything you need to transform your Christmas shopping into a magical journey. From festive favourites to great gifts, you’ll find everything you need for the festive period.”