Top Tips

Choosing Your Tree

We always store our trees in an upright position to allow plenty of air to circulate around them - if you buy from a retailer who stacks their trees on a pallet, check them very carefully. Trees that are left on pallets for too long have a tendency to overheat, yellow and compost.

If the tree is netted, ask for this to be removed so that you can see the true shape.

Shake the tree - don't be alarmed if there is some needle shedding from inside. This is quite normal. However, if needles are being shed from the tips of the branches ... avoid!

Smell the foliage - not all trees are strongly scented, but they should always smell fresh and without any mustiness.

Get the right fit - it's tempting to choose the biggest, fattest tree, but if it doesn't fit the space you have in mind you'll have to do a lot of pruning! Have a measure up before leaving home.

Maintaining Your Tree

When you get home, cut the bottom 1cm from the butt of the tree - this will allow for maximum uptake of water.

Put the tree straight into a bucket of water, and keep it outside until the last minute. Don't let the water run out!

When it's time to bring your tree into the house, make sure you use a stand which can hold plenty of water - your tree can drink up to a pint of water every day!

Try to keep your tree away from heat sources - not just radiators and open fires, televisions and other electric appliances can also throw out a fair bit of heat.

Finally, and most importantly ... keep the water level in the stand as high as possible!