News Garden tips Careers About Us Contact Click & Collect webshop now open! SHOP ONLINE CHRISTMAS TREES SERVICES PRODUCT INFO ENVIRONMENT How to choose the perfect Christmas tree Published on 25 November 2021 There’s something about a Christmas tree that turns everyone into a child again. Smell the needles, see the sparkling lights and glittering ornaments, and you can feel the anticipation growing. Choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home this year with our top tips. Cut or pot-grown Christmas trees Your first decision is whether to buy a cut tree or a pot-grown one. Pot-grown trees are often smaller than cut trees, but they will last longer – in fact, after Christmas is over, you can put them outside and grow them on for next year! If you’re short on space, a small pot-grown tree could be the answer. However, if you want a tree that reaches the ceiling, you’ll probably need a cut tree. If well looked after, cut trees will last until Christmas is over and can then be taken to a recycling depot. Types of Christmas trees Here’s a quick run-down on some of the most widely available types of Christmas tree types: Nordmann fir – one of the most popular types, often called the non-drop tree because it sheds few needles. With its symmetrical shape and dark green needles, it’s a classic Christmas tree. Norway spruce – a very traditional Christmas tree with solid and upward-slanted branches ideal for decorating. It has a delicious pine fragrance but does need to be kept well watered to minimize needle drop. Blue Spruce - Beautiful, unique blue colouring, needs watering well and has good stiff branches, great for hanging heavy decorations. An ideal small or second tree. Tips on caring for Christmas trees For the best choice, get your tree as early as you can so that you can pick one that suits the size and shape of your room. If you’re buying a pot-grown tree, you can choose one at any time from early November. For cut trees, choose from the end of November so that your tree will last through Christmas. Un-net cut trees as soon as you get home so that air can circulate around the branches. Rehydrate your cut tree by cutting an inch off the end of the trunk and standing the tree in a bucket of water (do this within 30 minutes of cutting, or it will seal over). If you are not putting up your tree straight away, leave it standing securely in the bucket in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and sheltered from the wind. Position your Christmas tree away from fires and radiators, as these will dry it out. Check the water reservoir of your tree stand daily and keep it topped up. We have a fantastic range of Christmas trees of all sizes in the centre, so visit us to choose yours and get the festive season started! Shop for your tree online now! THOMPSON'S Thompson's Plant & Garden Centres are a family run garden centre group consisting of four retail locations. info@thompsons-plants.com CHISLEHURST 020 8302 2455 Mon-Sat 09:00 - 17:30 Sun 10:30 - 16:30 Sun Plant Area 09:00 - 16:30 Coffee Shop Opening Times Find Us on Facebook NEWCHURCH 01983 865292 Mon-Sat 09:00 - 17:30 Sun 10:30 - 16:30 Sun Plant Area 09:00 - 16:30 Garden Cafe Opening Times Find Us on Facebook PETHAM 01227 700449 Mon-Sun 09:00 - 17:30 Coffee Shop Open Times Find Us on Facebook WELLING 020 8856 2933 Mon-Sat 09:00 - 17:30 Sun 10:30 - 16:30 Sun Plant Area 09:00 - 16:30 Find Us on Facebook © Thompsons-plants Garden Connect Garden Centre Guide Privacy policy Coffee Shop Isle of Wight Garden centre Canterbury Garden tools Isle of Wight Gardening Kent House plants Newchurch Perennials Welling Roses Dartford Plants Petham Shrubs Chislehurst Trees Canterbury