How to choose a real Christmas tree

Choosing your Christmas tree marks the start of the festive season and with so many real Christmas tree varieties available it can be a bit of an adventure to find the perfect tree for you. With our helpful guide it should help make things that little less stressful.

Getting started

Before you head out to buy your Christmas tree it’s important to figure out where your tree will be positioned, whether that’s in a particular room inside the house or outside in your garden. You’ll need to think about the height, as well as the width of the tree for the space you have available. Always keep size in mind when you’re choosing your tree and try not to get carried away.

Types of real Christmas tree

So, what types of real Christmas trees are there to choose from?

Norway Spruce

The Norway Spruce has long been considered the essential British Christmas tree since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised the idea of bringing Christmas trees into the home. A firm favourite due to its traditional conical shape and its wonderful festive scent, which will fill the house with festive cheer. The Norway Spruce has foliage that is dense and spikey with a vibrant green colour that looks beautiful against any decoration colourway. The Norway Spruce does tend to lose its needles once the tree starts to dry out, so to keep it looking its best for longer ensure it is watered regularly once cut to ensure the best needle retention.

Nordmann Fir

Nordmann Fir is a popular choice for Christmas mainly due to its great needle retention. It has attractive deep green foliage and a beautiful shape for decorating. The needles are not sharp and do not drop readily when the tree dries out, making it a great family and pet friendly choice this Christmas.

Noble Fir

Considered one of the most handsome trees with its premium full shape and lovely blue-green foliage. A Noble Fir tree will fill your home with a pleasant fragrance making it feel more festive. It has large branches for loading full of fairy lights and decorations. A Noble Fir tree won’t drop its soft needles and will stay strong and beautiful for the whole Christmas period making it ideal for families with children and pets.

Lodge Pole Pine

Add a traditional feel to your home this Christmas with a Lodge Pole Pine Christmas tree. This fresh cut variety has an interesting look with upright branches and long green needles with a dense appearance. A Lodge Pole Pine looks spectacular in big spaces with tall ceilings. It also boosts a fresh pine fragrance and has brilliant needle retention so it will hold onto its needles for a long time.

Pot-Grown Trees

If you want a variety that lasts beyond the festive period, consider a pot-grown tree. These are usually chunkier and much hardier that fresh cut versions and come in a range of species. After the Christmas period the tree can be transplanted to the garden, adding extra interest and value to your outside space. You could even decorate it next year to add some sparkle to your outside space.

Here at Gates, our Horticultural Experts are on hand to help with any questions you might have this Christmas. We have a wide range of high-quality, sustainably sourced real Christmas trees in-stock that will last all season, in various heights ranging from 3ft to 10ft. So, if you are searching for a tree for a large celebration or for a particular space in your home or garden, we don’t mind holding one or two while you pick the perfect tree. Local home delivery* is available, so pop in-store today or give us a call on 01664 454309 to find out more information.

*Delivery T&C’s apply