Garden Parasols Blog

This weekend we will enter the magical month of December, when everyone spends much of their time stressed about matters such as presents, decorations, food, and whether or not granny will fall asleep at the Christmas dinner table for the third year in a row. Getting your knickers in a twist about selecting a tree should not be on the menu, so here’s our guide on how you can pick the perfect pine (or fir, or spruce)…



1) Firstly, you need to pick a spot for the tree. This is of the utmost importance; if you don’t decide a location before you go out, you run the risk of bringing home something which looks nothing short of ridiculous despite you spending three hours shunting it around the room. Think about (and if you’re really dedicated, measure) the height and width of the space so you can bear these dimensions in mind when you’re eyeing up potential trees.

2) Once you’re out browsing the trees, you’d be well advised not to purchase one which has already been packed into netting, as you’ll have no idea what shape it really is. Unless you like to live dangerously, in which case, gamble away!

3) Consider the shape of the tree, bearing in mind the space you've prepared for it at home. Are you looking for a tall, thin specimen, or one with a bit of volume? Don’t be put off if you find a tree that’s perfect except for a couple of rogue branches; you can trim these at home.

4) You can check how fresh a tree is by having a bit of a feel. Give the bottom branches a gentle rub; you want a tree which seems quite flexible and doesn't shed its needles – if it’s dropping before you even get it home, you’ll spend the best part of the next few weeks glued to the hoover (especially if you happen to have a pet who is fond of exploring the underside of your Christmas tree).

5) In general, you’ll have three choices of tree: pine, fir and spruce. The latter is known for being a shedder, but this can be minimised by keeping the tree well-watered. The main difference between these species lies in their appearance, and there’s an excellent article on Fine Gardening about how you can tell these apart.

Photos: Michelle Gervais - from Fine Gardening

6) Finally, think about the longevity of the tree. Many retailers offer trees with roots so you can replant these after the season’s finished – subject to you having the time/inclination/space. However, do keep in mind that the tree might not necessarily ‘take’ to your garden, so don’t make this your main criteria. It’s better to have a perfect rootless tree than running the risk of buying a less suitable one for replanting.

Hopefully this will help you whilst you’re out tree shopping. Let us know how you get on!