Make a tree-line for real fir this festive season
Norway spruce or Nordmann fir? Real versus fake? Choosing a Christmas tree sounds simple enough…but is it? We offer you this simple guide to making the right choice…
For many families, selecting and buying a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the festive season. Trudging through the mud with a
scented spruce across a father’s back before hoisting it on the roof rack is almost a ritual. Part of the fun of this special time of year. Some opt to have a tree blazing its lights from the beginning of December through to January 6, others make their way to the local farm or supermarket on Christmas Eve. Most people make their choices based on the height of the ceiling or the size of the corner into which it goes. This is, of course, entirely sensible. But there are a few basic rules which
can add life and vitality to the centrepiece of your family Christmas.
The guide to choosing a tree Be sure you know what you want – different species have different qualities, so it is best to choose the one best suited to your family’s needs. If you or your children don’t like spikey needles, avoid spruces and opt for the softer firs and pines; Measuring – check the height of the ceiling bearing in mind the stand/pot the tree will need. Take a tape measure to the tree as those on offer can be considerably longer than the stated length. Cutting, trimming and shortening at home can alter the appearance of the tree immensely; Colour is important – if the tree trunk or stem appears to be a grey-ish colour, it has been in the shop too long. Try to find one with an even green colour;
Real v fake
The Forestry Commission England advises that real trees use 10 times fewer materials and five times less energy than fakes. They are also 100% biodegradable and, these days, trees can be replanted and reused. On the flip side, a fake tree can last for many years. Some fakes are so realistic, it can be hard at first glance to tell. But they are generally made abroad and rack up a massive carbon footprint getting to the UK.
Images © s © Forestry Commission
Smell – a strong odour from your tree will indicate it has been cut recently; Make sure needles are secured – place your hand inside the main body of the tree, grasp a branch and draw the hand towards you. The needles should not fall off. Why not tap the “cut end” of the tree and if just a few needles drop, it will be fine for the festive season. If a lot fall down in a shower, then find another tree or a different merchant; Tree freshness – a simple bend test to check for freshness – fresh fir needles will break but fresh pines should bend and not snap. Decorations – try to visualise what your decorations will look like on your tree and make your choice accordingly.
At home Cut the trunk – this will help the tree absorb water (the base may have been standing on the ground for several days, perhaps even weeks). Make sure the base is in a small amount of water. It will help to maintain the colour, make the needles stronger and more secure for longer and help keep that special smell of Christmas. Keep topping up the water, every other day or so, more often if it looks like it needs it; Placement – lovely as it might look, a Christmas tree beside an open fire is not good for the tree’s longevity and could be dangerous. A spark from an open fire could spell disaster. Try also to keep your Christmas tree away from heat and in a cool spot with a water source; Needle drop – look out for the “non- drop” varieties which are widely stocked.
Varieties of tree
Norway Spruce • A wonderful shape and an abundance of branches – great for hanging decorations!
• A lovely Christmassy scent that's perfect at this time of year
• A little sharp and spikey to touch
Nordmann Fir • Having soft foliage and an even shape – making it a joy to decorate!
• Glossy, dark green needles that have a whitish/light blue underside
• Strong branches, which are great for hanging those big glass decorations
Lodgepole Pine • Bushy appearance and luscious long green needles
• Branches that point upwards • That wonderful pine scent
• Its great needle retention, which makes it a long lasting tree
Mid Kent Living 33
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