What Christmas Tree should you buy and why?

As we approach the month of December it will be that time of year again to buy your Christmas Tree to decorate your home ready for the festive season. There is a lot more to a Christmas Tree than you think, a fair bit of history to charm us and many varieties to choose from. So, let's look at Christmas Trees in more detail!

Some did you know facts:

• The first decorated Christmas Tree was in the town of Riga in Latvia, in 1510.
• Since 1947, the people of Oslo in Norway have given a gift of a Christmas Tree to the City of Westminster, London as an expression of good will and gratitude for Britain's help to their country during World War II.
• Electric Tree lights were first massed produced way back in 1890.
• Christmas Tree remove dust and pollen from the air.
• One acre of planted Christmas Trees provides enough daily oxygen for 18 people.
• Artificial trees will last for less than six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.
• In the first week, a tree in your home will consume as much as 2 pints of water per day.

Tips for your Christmas Tree:

• Take time to pick your spot. Decide where your Christmas Tree is to go in your home, ideally choose a well-lit corner which gets plenty of footfall though safe from being knockered over by young children or merry adults!
• Many people now purchase Christmas Trees online so when doing so make sure they are freshly harvested before confirming your purchase.
• Handle with care. Make sure if you decide to have a live Christmas Tree to use gloves and possibly even clothing that you don't mind to get stained in sap especially when getting it into position at home.
• Cut trees will be fine dunked in water, rather like a cut flower. Potted trees are also fine for home usage and can also be replanted in to your garden after Christmas, though remember they can grow very quickly so plant them away from building / structures.
• Keep your trees well watered and also not too hot (keep away from positioning right next to radiators / open fires etc). There is no need to use foods or fertilisers for your Christmas Tree at home.
• Think Recycle! There are many organisations and local recycling centres for your Christmas Tree, in most cases recycling is free of charge.

Christmas Trees species:

The traditional British Christmas tree is the Norwegian Spruce which does drop it's needles towards the end of the Christmas period. Recent years has seen an increase in non-drop varieties.

Nordman Fir: The most popular, best selling non-drop Christmas Tree variety that has good needle retaining properties that are soft, wide and flat, dark green needles.

Blue Spruce: A low drop variety which has distinctive silver/blue and a wonderful smell that is reminiscent of the Christmas season.

Traditional (Norway) Spruce: Another variety that gives off a festive scent, a good shape and is a very popular purchase with the British.

Potted Trees: Popular choice for Christmas and ideal for those wishing to keep their trees after Christmas as can be planted outside.