As the festive season approaches, the debate over when to put up the Christmas tree heats up. While some eager elves start right after Bonfire Night, others hold out until Christmas Eve. But according to one expert, timing is crucial if you want your real tree to last through the holidays.
The Race to Sell Trees
Retailers are already getting into the spirit. Tesco recently slashed prices on Christmas trees, and last year, over 90% of its stock was snapped up by the end of November. Lidl and other stores are following suit, while Dobbies Garden Centres plans to wait until late November. But is it wise to buy so early?
Mick Walker, who grows trees in the Scottish Highlands for Bolton Christmas Trees, warns that early purchases may not last. "It might last until the beginning of Christmas, but it won't last the full holiday," he says. "Unless it's a potted one, it's going to be sagging by Christmas Day - big time." He criticizes Tesco's half-price deal as "insane," arguing it lures customers into buying trees that won't survive the season.
Expert Advice on Timing
So when should you put up your tree? Walker suggests: "If it was me, I'd put it up a week before Christmas Eve, [and it will] last straight through until New Year." The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) agrees that cut trees typically last about four weeks with proper care, though some retailers claim four to six weeks.
Tesco maintains that its trees come with care instructions to keep them looking their best until Christmas Day and encourages returns if customers are unsatisfied.
Keeping Your Tree Fresh
To maximize your tree's lifespan, Walker offers practical tips: "Keep watering it, spraying the leaves, keeping it cool, keeping it away from radiators in the coolest spot in the room." Forestry England adds that trimming about half an inch off the trunk when you get home helps the tree absorb water by removing hardened sap. And despite popular belief, adding cola or corn syrup to the water is a myth. "Your beautiful tree just wants a constant supply of fresh water - it's that simple," Forestry England states.
Forester Richard Cooper suggests storing cut trees outside in a shaded area to prolong life, though he notes it depends on how eager you are to decorate. For potted trees, the RHS recommends bringing them indoors as late as possible, ideally the weekend before Christmas, and keeping them inside for no more than 12 days.
Choosing the Right Tree
The Nordmann fir is the UK's most popular variety due to its needle-retention, while the Norway spruce boasts a classic pine scent but should be kept outdoors or put up just before Christmas. Pine trees have the longest lifespan but lack the traditional look, according to Walker.
For those who prefer artificial trees, like Katie McDonald from Belfast, putting up the tree early is a matter of childhood tradition. "When I was a kid my mum always waited to the last minute... So I made myself a wee childlike promise that when I had my own house I'd be one of the first to put my tree up," she says. She plans to switch to a real tree closer to Christmas for peak freshness.
Steve Chapman from Merseyside emphasizes family traditions, avoiding early decorating and instead selecting a tree from a local farm in the first week of December. "There is nothing better than the smell of a real tree at Christmas," he says.
Ultimately, whether you go real or artificial, the key is to balance tradition with practicality to ensure your tree stays merry and bright throughout the season.
