With Christmas fast approaching, as the festive light trails return to RHS Gardens and Christmas trees go on sale at RHS Plant Centres, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shares its definitive guide to choosing and caring for Christmas trees – helping households keep their trees looking fresh, fragrant and full throughout the festive season.
Chris Yaskin, Arboriculture Team Leader at RHS Garden Rosemoor says: “Choose a fresh, locally grown tree that looks green and healthy and is shedding very few needles. Don’t bring your tree indoors too early and if bought in advance, keep it outside in water until you’re ready to decorate it.”
Before decorating, saw 25mm off the trunk and stand the tree in a holder filled with water, topping it up daily. Trees last longest in cooler rooms, away from heat sources such as fires or radiators, which can cause rapid drying and needle drop.
Chris adds: “Position your tree somewhere cool, keep it watered, and it should look good for around four weeks. A little care really does go a long way.”
Choosing Your Tree – The RHS suggests considering the characteristics of the different cultivars to help inform your choice.
- Norway spruce – traditional with a classic scent, shorter indoor life and quick to drop its needles
- Nordmann fir – one of the most popular Christmas trees in the UK due to its soft, slow-to-drop needles and sturdy branches
- Blue spruce – striking blue tone, excellent needle retention
- Fraser fir – compact and fragrant, ideal for smaller rooms
- Lodgepole pine – are bushier than other Christmas trees with long deep green pine scented needles that sometimes bear cones.
- Korean fir– Dark green, slightly curling needles. Excellent needle-holding quality.
Pot-Grown and Alternative Trees – For a more sustainable choice, pot-grown trees can be brought indoors briefly over Christmas, then returned outside and cared for year-round. Potted trees can also be planted in the garden in a sunny spot and dug up and potted each winter. The RHS also recommends dwarf conifers and aromatic evergreens, such as Norfolk Island pine, Japanese cedar, or bay tree ‘Little Ragu’ as stylish alternatives that can be reused each year.
After the festivities, trees can be recycled or composted to enrich garden soil and feed wildlife. Many local councils offer Christmas tree collection schemes.
Visitors to RHS Gardens can make their Christmas tree shopping extra festive by pairing it with a visit to RHS Glow. While enjoying the magical after-dark illuminations at RHS Garden Rosemoor they can browse and purchase a wide selection of cut and pot-grown Christmas trees, bringing a touch of RHS Glow home for the festive season.
For a full Christmas tree guide visit: Christmas Trees: Types and Care | RHS Advice or to book tickets to RHS Glow visit: rhs.org.uk/glow
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