CHRISTMAS TREES

CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TREE

Yes, with Christmas round the corner, it’s time to choose the Christmas tree. Do you like the synthetic option or are you a real tree fan? I have tried unsuccessfully for years to get a plastic tree, but I am out voted three to one so it will be off to fill the car (and the living room) with pine needles. There are plenty of types to choose from, so maybe we can get one that doesn’t end up naked before the big day.

Photo: Bonnie shows us her inflatable Christmas tree!

Norway spruce are the trees most likely to be sticking their needles into the soles of your feet, they do smell nice though. For non-drop ones try the Nordman Fir, these have large soft needles and they tend to stay on the branches. The Fraser Fir is similar but a bit bigger at the base. Scots Pines retain their needles and give a lovely pine smell to any room. And let us not forget the Noble fir. This makes up for about 60% of all tree sold in Ireland.

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If you feel sad about putting a chopped down tree in the front room, try buying one with the roots intact. The tree can be planted outside after Christmas. If you buy a small one it could be used for a few years until it gets too big for the house.

SELECTION AND CARE OF YOUR TREE

When you are selecting your Christmas tree always bear in mind where you are going to put it. For most modern homes a 6ft Christmas tree will do.

Make sure it has a straight stem, even dense branches and a fresh colour. When you bring your Christmas tree home, cut an inch or two off the bottom of the stem and stand it outside in a bucket of water. Shake off any loose needles before you bring it inside and stand it in a special Christmas tree stand or in a bucket of wet sand with a water bowl to which you should add a pint of water daily (avoiding the electrics!). Try not to let the tree dry out, as the base will re-seal itself and stop taking in water. Water is important as it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the branches from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant. Place the tree in the coolest part of the room away from fires and radiators, as central heating is the worst enemy of a tree.