{"id":42233,"date":"2024-11-21T11:36:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T10:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/5ab24007-c6fe-4cc4-a0d5-fa98ceeee8da"},"modified":"2024-11-21T14:33:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T13:33:02","slug":"looking-for-the-best-christmas-tree-weve-ranked-them-to-find-the-one-thats-perfect-for-you","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/looking-for-the-best-christmas-tree-weve-ranked-them-to-find-the-one-thats-perfect-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking for the best Christmas tree? We’ve ranked them to find the one that’s perfect for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking to buy a real Christmas tree this year? Here’s our guide on choosing the right species for you \u2013 and the three main ways that Christmas trees are grown. Photographs\u00a0by Christian Barnett <\/p>

By Veronica Peerless\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 21 November 2024 at 10:36 AM<\/p>

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Nothing says Christmas<\/a> like the scent and feel of a real Christmas tree \u2013 but how do you choose the perfect\u00a0one? As the festive season approaches, markets, garden centres and farm shops are filled with fresh Christmas trees, of varying sizes and types. Before you choose one, it can help to know a little more about the three main ways in which Christmas trees are sold, as well as the pros and cons of the different species available.<\/p>

And if you’re wondering about the most sustainable Christmas tree option, read Real or fake: What’s the most sustainable Christmas tree?<\/a>.<\/p>

Whichever type of tree you choose, read our advice on Caring for your Christmas tree<\/a>.<\/p>

How to choose the best Christmas tree<\/h2>

The three types of Christmas tree to buy<\/h3>

Cut Christmas tree<\/h4>

A cut tree is a fresh tree that has been grown as a crop on a Christmas tree farm, then cut down once it has reached a certain size. To help it last in your home, it will need to be placed in a Christmas tree stand that holds water, much like a bunch of cut flowers<\/a>. Saw off an inch or so off the trunk before you place it in water – this will help it to take up water. Top the water up daily.<\/p>

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Freshly cut trees retain their leaves for longer, so try to buy directly from a grower, and bear in mind that if you buy a tree on 1 December, it will most likely be shedding its needles come the big day. Dispose of your tree responsibly after use by recycling it in your green waste bin or leaving it out for council collection. You could also shred the tree using a shredder<\/a> before using it as a mulch<\/a> around the garden.<\/p>

Pot-grown or container-grown Christmas tree<\/h4>

Container-grown or pot-grown trees have been grown in their pots<\/a>, and as their roots are intact, can be re-used year after year. Pot-grown trees tend to be smaller, and they also tend to sell out early in the season \u2013 it’s a good idea to snap one up when you one, then leave it outside until you want to bring it indoors.<\/p>

Once Christmas is over, either move the tree in its pot to a partially shaded spot outside and keep it well watered throughout the year, or plant it out in the garden.<\/p>

If you are looking for an attractive conifer that you can grow in a pot in the garden and bring in for Christmas, check out our expert’s choice of alternative Christmas trees<\/a>.<\/p>

Potted Christmas tree<\/h4>

Pot-grown trees are not to be confused with potted trees, which have been grown in the ground, then cut down and potted up in a container of compost<\/a> or soil<\/a>. Almost inevitably their roots will suffer damage during this process, so potted trees are unlikely to be successful if replanted and cannot be kept going from year to year.<\/p>

Rented Christmas trees<\/h3>

Don’t forget that you can also rent a live Christmas tree, returning it to the supplier at the end of the season. Find out how to rent a Christmas tree<\/a>.<\/p>

Top tips for choosing a real Christmas tree <\/strong><\/h3>