If you’re getting a real Christmas tree, the feeling really is unbeaten. The smell, the look of them, it’s such a gorgeous experience. Then, when you get it home, the excitement you feel when you’re decorating it with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate is amazing.
Each family has their own little traditions they perform in the run-up to Christmas when they’re decorating their trees, and it’s so much fun.
However, it’s undeniably confusing if you get a real tree, on how best to care for it and ensure it doesn’t dry up and look gross before December 25 arrives.
Because the Christmas spirit definitely feels a little bit less if your tree’s branches are dropping off when the big day arrives. Nobody wants their tree presents littered with greenery. Your Christmas Day photos you post on Instagram will look a whole lot worse with a dead tree in the background, right?
Thankfully, William Mitchell, gardening expert and owner of Sutton Manor Nursery, said there are ‘correct’ ways to water and care for your tree, and he shared them.
Around eight to 10 million real Christmas trees are sold each year across the UK – but annoyingly, not all of them retain their fresh pine scent and gorgeous green branches until the big day.
But William Mitchell said there are methods to keep your tree looking as fresh as possible, so if you’re planning a real tree this year, you’ll want to take notes.
He said: “As soon as you bring your tree home and take it out of the net, you should cut one to two inches off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in a large bucket or tree stand.
“This opens up the tree’s pores, allowing it to easily absorb water. If you don’t cut the bottom of the trunk, it will remain blocked with sap and will struggle to drink water, no matter how often you feed it. Similarly, you should refrain from putting your tree in soil or sand as this will also block the pores, making water absorption extremely difficult.”
William also said it’s important to water your tree to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle – he recommends one or two litres a day, with the bare minimum of 500ml.
He insisted trees should be constantly submerged in two inches of water, and it’s vital to keep your eye on the level – but he said trees don’t need lemonade or sugar to perk them up, as is widely recommended, because water will do.
Thinking about where to put your tree, William recommended keeping them away from warm areas and radiators, which will dry it out.
He said: “It’s a good idea to place your tree close to a window where it can get some fresh air.
“If you have already placed your tree somewhere warm or close to a heating source, you should move it to a cooler, safer area.”
If you don’t water your tree over the festive season, it will become dry, it’ll droop, needles will fall off, it’ll start to smell, and ultimately, it’ll die prematurely. And nobody wants to wake up to a dead Christmas tree on December 25, because it ruins the vibe…
