With Christmas fast approaching, here is some advice on Christmas tree care.
What are the different types of Christmas trees ?
The most popular varieties in the UK are:
• Nordmann Fir -
• Norway Spruce – often regarded as the traditional tree, it is usually a tidy pyramid shape with a typical Christmas tree smell.
• Blue Spruce -
• Fraser Fir -
Some growers will have other varieties available which can also look great in your home.
Which is the most popular variety?
Most popular by far is the Nordmann Fir which is chosen about 80% of the time. Between
10-
How many trees are sold each year?
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) estimates around seven million trees are bought each year.
Will prices be the same as last year?
The BCTGA expect 2017 prices to be very similar to last season.
Prices do vary across the country and the top-
How old is a typical full height tree for the home
A typical 6 to 7 feet high Christmas tree is between 10 and 12 years old. Seed is collected from trees either in the wild or in specially selected seed orchards, sown in a nursery where the seedlings then grow for three to four years. The young plants are then planted by a grower and grown on for a further seven to nine years.
The grower has to fertilise, shape and prune the tree, and keep it healthy, ready for the customer to enjoy.
Choosing a fresh tree
A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few browning needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree but it is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.
Keep your tree at its best
When the tree is brought home, it is advantageous if about half an inch is cut off
the butt in order to open up the pores of the tree. The tree should be kept outside
in a cool shaded place, standing in water, until it is required indoors. When the
tree is brought indoors, mount it in a water-
Choosing a real Christmas tree