With James Trevett of Sidmouth Garden Centre
OK with the count down to Christmas now well and truly under way I thought I'd take the time to talk trees – Christmas trees that is!
The following tips are to try to help you get the most out of your tree and hopefully save a lot of clearing up as a good tree shouldn't drop its needles all over the carpet.
We've been selling cut Christmas trees at the garden centre for 13 years now and have seen every type available, but there is really only a couple of varieties that are worth making a note of.
The first is the traditional tree (Norway spruce) and once was the most commonly sold Christmas tree. It's got the most amazing smell but because or poor needle retention it's becoming a tree of the past.
The Nordmann fir (low needle drop) is now the most popular tree and we sell 10 of these now to every one traditional tree. They are well known for their needle retention and still offer a nice smell.
These are also the preferred trees for shape – but do spend time looking as like most things grown trees are graded according to shape and condition, cheaper trees are often the B or C grade trees that lack good growth around the top of the tree or have large gaps.
An A grade tree will be the perfect 'A' shape from top to bottom, you'll be able to see the difference!
Now pay attention to these simple tips and go get your tree.
1. Measure the height of your ceiling, something that is often forgotten. If the tree is too tall, you won't be able to fit a star or an angel on it, or you may have to trim the top. Don't forget to account for the height of your stand and the area in which you plan to put your tree.
2. Check for freshness by one of the following methods:
When trees are cut and shipped, they undergo a lot of stress. Losing needles is normal. Most retailers will shake trees to remove these loose needles, but some do not. Yes, loss of needles can be a sign of an old tree, but this is not a sure-fire method.
The best way to test freshness is by weight, and trust me when I say a fresh tree is heavy. After the tree is cut, it no longer produces sap. It will continue to use this sap until little remains. It takes an experienced tree-chooser to be able tell the difference.
On firs and some types of trees, the branches of a fresh tree should be flexible. This is not the case for all trees. However, trees that fail this test are likely to be very old and would not be found on a reputable tree lot. Be careful this method is risky and may harm your tree. But if it's bendy it's fresh!
3. Get the tree into water as soon as possible after the fresh cut. Otherwise the trunk will scab over, preventing the tree from being able to absorb water. You can of course cut an inch slice off the bottom of the tree before you put it in its stand. This will open the seal slowing you water your tree.
Ensure that there is always water in the basin. Tree water additives, such as sugar, vinegar, or even specially designed additives, are not effective.
4. Keep your tree away from radiators.
