Festive homes are filled with Christmas decorations, but the Christmas tree is the centrepiece – so you need to get it right. Here’s how to get your hands on the best real Christmas trees.
Buying a Christmas tree sounds like a simple task, but the sheer variety of options available can make it a challenge.
Should you choose a real or artificial Christmas tree? If you prefer something natural, which tree variety should you get?
You also have to think about how much Christmas trees cost, how to maintain them, and space restrictions. Suddenly, it all seems a bit more complicated!
This guide should answer all your questions about buying real Christmas trees, so let’s begin.
Should you buy an artificial or real Christmas tree?
Before we go any further, we need to see whether choosing a real or fake Christmas tree is better for you. Here are a few of the main reasons people might prefer real Christmas trees:
Tradition
We’ve brought real Christmas trees into homes for hundreds of years. It’s a much-loved tradition and, for many people, delivers the real essence of Christmas.
If you value upholding that tradition and getting that truly festive feeling, you’ll probably prefer a real Christmas tree.
Style
As far as style is concerned, you can’t beat real Christmas trees. The classic image of a Christmas tree – a towering, bushy pine or fir tree – is best achieved with a real tree. You’ll have to head to your local Christmas tree farm for that.
Scent
Many people enjoy the scent that real Christmas trees bring into their homes. With artificial trees, this is obviously something you’ll miss out on.
Of course, there are times when artificial Christmas trees make more sense. Here are some common reasons you might go in that direction:
Cost
While the one-time cost of artificial Christmas trees might be higher than real Christmas trees, you’re only buying once. This will lead to savings over the years.
Convenience
You might enjoy shopping for Christmas trees, but many people simply don’t. Luckily, you only have to buy artificial Christmas trees once. You can pack them up and store them easily, too, which is very convenient.
Allergies
If either you or someone you live with has allergies, they might struggle with a real Christmas tree in the house. Naturally, artificial trees don’t present this problem.
So, should you choose an artificial or real Christmas tree? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Think about your circumstances before picking a type of Christmas tree.
Things to consider before buying a Christmas tree
It’s all very well picking a tree that you like, but are you ready to buy? Here are a couple of things you need to consider:
How will you transport your Christmas tree?
It might sound simple, but getting a tree home from your local Christmas tree farm is sometimes easier said than done. That’s especially true if you opt for a gigantic 7-ft Christmas tree!
Most sellers will net up your Christmas tree making it more manageable. Still, even if you fold your car’s back seats down, it might be too big.
You can try putting the tree on your vehicle’s roof and securing it with strong cords. If you use this method, tie it up tightly or you could lose it while travelling.
If neither of these options works for you, don’t panic. There are Christmas tree farms and sellers that deliver directly to your home – which is basically hassle-free.
Does your home have space for a Christmas tree?
A grand Christmas tree adorned with sparkling decorations sounds appealing, but is it the right fit for your home?
Think about where you’d place a Christmas tree, and how large a tree that space could accommodate. If you’re short on room, you might consider a mini Christmas tree. People who prefer artificial setups buy half Christmas trees for the same reason.
Do you have a suitable Christmas tree stand?
To get everything set up, you’ll need a Christmas tree stand that fits your preferred tree size. Most modern Christmas tree stands are adjustable, but it’s still worth checking.
Consider buying a Christmas tree skirt in advance, too, if you’re unhappy with the look of the stand. With these items assembled, you should be ready to buy a tree.
Should you buy a cut or pot-grown Christmas tree?
In the past, people would mostly buy freshly cut Christmas trees. Now, you can also buy pot-grown Christmas trees – but what’s the difference?
Pot-grown trees grow from a young age in pots, helping them to establish a strong root system. This helps them live through the Christmas period and survive (and thrive) even after replanting. They tend to be a little more costly and smaller in stature.
Cut Christmas trees are grown, cut, and then placed in tree stands. Since they have no root system, you can’t replant them. This is the most popular way to get a Christmas tree, partly because it tends to be cheaper.
Both tree types have advantages – the key is making sure you know what to expect before you make any purchase.
How to choose the best type of Christmas tree
So, you’ve decided to buy a real Christmas tree – which type should you get? There are many tree varieties to choose from, but here are some of the UK’s favourites.
1. Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir has enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity in the UK over the past few years. In fact, according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, Nordmann Fir is the bestselling variety in Britain.
It boasts dark green needles, a symmetrical form, strong branches, and excellent needle retention. That means spending less time vacuuming over the Christmas period – which is especially nice since you can keep these trees from the end of November through to the New Year.
This is a premium-quality Christmas tree variety, so you can expect to pay higher prices for them too.
2. Norway Spruce
As the traditional Christmas tree choice in the UK, you can’t go wrong with a Norway Spruce.
These trees have a pleasant scent, an attractive shape, and plenty of sturdy branches for hanging your Christmas tree decorations. They also deliver good value for money.
One downside is that they tend to shed needles relatively quickly once indoors. You can minimise this by keeping it away from heat sources and giving it plenty of water – or by buying it closer to Christmas.
3. Fraser Fir
Originating from the US, the Fraser Fir variety is a good, all-round performer.
It has fine needle retention and a taller, slimmer form than some of the alternatives. This makes it a sensible choice when space is at a premium.
If you buy a Fraser Fir, you can expect it to last well throughout the Christmas period, making a November purchase possible.
4. Douglas Fir
Only recently emerging in the UK, Douglas Fir Christmas trees have been a favourite in the United States for some time.
Best purchased at the start of December, Douglas Firs have a nice, symmetrical shape, a pleasant scent, and a rich, green colour. It’s easy to see why it’s a well-liked option.
Because of the densely grown but soft and flexible branches, Douglas Firs are most suitable for lighter decorations. You’ll see that, in the US, many people decorate these trees by wrapping them in ribbons and bows. Hanging heavier ornaments on them isn’t really an option.
5. Blue Spruce
The Blue Spruce trees have a distinctive appearance thanks to the silvery wax that covers the needles. As you can probably guess from the name, the wax gives these trees a bluish colour.
The branches are stiff and do well at holding up tree ornaments. The needles are sharp and prickly, though, so take care when decorating!
Blue Spruce Christmas trees are an excellent choice if you’re looking for something different this festive season. You can buy them at the start of December and they’ll last through the Christmas period.
6. Scots Pine
We love these Christmas trees for their needle retention and ability to live with rough treatment.
Scots Pine trees resist drying out and, even when it doesn’t get enough water, needles won’t drop too easily. This means the tree should certainly last through the whole of December, provided you water it.
It has a more open appearance than some of the denser options, like Norway Spruces, but the needles are softer, too. This makes it easier to decorate, and a good choice if you have kids involved.
How much are real Christmas trees?
You want the perfect tree, but at what cost? As you can probably guess, the cost of Christmas trees varies depending on several factors.
There’s the type of Christmas tree you choose, tree size, and whether it’s pot-grown or cut. You also need to think about delivery costs if you can’t transport the tree yourself.
Bearing all that in mind, where does that leave us? You should expect a real Christmas tree to cost anywhere between £15 and £200, depending on your location and tastes.
You can get bargain deals from some supermarkets but don’t discount local farms. They also offer Christmas tree sales where you can find quality and value in equal measure.
When should you buy a real Christmas tree?
People enjoy having Christmas trees in their homes but often worry about whether they’ll make it through the Christmas period. So, when should you buy your tree?
As always, there’s no right answer. It depends on the type of tree that you buy, as some have more staying power than others.
Most people buy their trees sometime from the end of November through to two weeks before Christmas. If you place your tree away from heat sources and water it regularly, buying during this period shouldn’t present much risk.
Finding the best real Christmas tree near you – made simple
Now you know your options, you’re ready to buy a Christmas tree.
Choose carefully between cut and potted Christmas trees – as well as Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruces, and your other favourite tree types – to make a good decision. Then, search for a local Christmas tree sale that stocks your favourite.
If you’re not sure whether to start, begin by browsing nearby Christmas tree farms and sellers. Not sure if they have what you want? You can always send them a message or post a free enquiry to learn more or arrange a purchase and delivery.
Take these steps, and you’re certain to track down the highest-quality Christmas trees near you.