Buying a Christmas tree can be a fun adventure for all the family. Yet it’s more than just picking the right size; it’s about finding one that will stay fresh up until Christmas day. Our Christmas tree guide gives helpful advice on such matters.

Opting for artificial

The first decision to be made is whether you want a synthetic tree or a live fir tree. Price need not be a factor, as both vary from just a few pounds to a few hundred pounds, and both can be reused to reduce the amount of waste produced. If you don’t enjoy the process of going out and buying a Christmas tree, an imitation one enables you to avoid that hassle for years to come. There’s also great choice, from natural looking ones, to different coloured ones or even fibre optic trees. The downside, however, is that synthetic trees are non-biodegradable and eventually end up in landfill sites.

Fir Christmas trees

Fir trees, on the other hand, benefit the environment throughout their whole life, absorbing CO2‚ and supplying oxygen to the atmosphere, stabilising the soil, and providing homes for wildlife. For some people, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the smell of pine; however, the needles will need picking up.

Buying a fir Christmas tree that will last When choosing a fir tree buy one that is British grown. This saves environmental pollution from long haul transportation. The Forestry Commission have centres across the country offering a wide range of quality fir Christmas trees, from the traditional Norway Spruce to a Scots Pine.

Consider buying a contained or potted tree that can be replanted. Check the tree for freshness – avoid those with brittle branches and dull, dry needles. Shake the tree gently and avoid it if lots of needles fall off.

Buying a Christmas tree advice