We want you to enjoy your Chistmas tree for as long as possible whether you buy your tree on the 1st of December or the 24th. Follow these tips on keeping your tree happy as advised by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association:

Care of the tree

It is part of the life cycle of the conifer tree that it sheds needles and they will accelerate that shedding particularly if they dry out. Some trees do so more quickly than others. The best way to ensure satisfaction is to care for the tree while it is in your home. A tree should be treated like any plant being brought into a warm, dry atmosphere

Cut Trees

It is essential that cut trees should be fresh when purchased.  The needles should not be dull and dried up.  The branches should not be brittle.  The outer needles should not fall off if the tree is gently shaken.

After you have bought your tree it should be kept outside in a cool, shaded place, preferably standing in water, until it is required indoors.  Before bringing the tree indoors it is an advantage if about half an inch is cut off the butt in order to open up the pores of the tree.  Mount it in a water-holding stand or wedge it in a bucket with pebbles, small stones or screwed up newspaper, and place it away from direct heat.  Keep the container topped up with water every day; you will be surprised by how much it needs.

Trees With Bare Roots

These are trees that have been extracted with their roots.  This is usually only possible with the smaller trees.  The small roots break off and no soil comes with the larger root system.  They should be freshly harvested.  It is best to soak the roots in water before potting the tree in moist earth.  The earth should be kept moist.  These trees will last longer if they are kept away from direct heat when they are brought indoors.  There is a chance that these trees will survive if planted out after Christmas.  They should be watered very well particularly in the summer when the heat will affect them.