Christmas Tree Tips From RHS Harlow Carr

How does one pick a Christmas tree that doesn't end up looking a bit sad by Boxing Day? It’s the centrepiece of the festive season, after all. Nobody wants a floor covered in needles before the presents are even unwrapped. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK's leading gardening charity, has shared some fantastic expert tips on choosing and caring for real Christmas trees, making sure they stay fresh, fragrant, and full all through the holidays. These pointers turn the challenge of finding the perfect tree into a simple, enjoyable part of the Christmas countdown.

Picking the perfect Christmas tree

The first step in the mission for the perfect Christmas tree is, of course, choosing the right one from the start. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted by size and shape and forget the most important thing: freshness. Steph Carr, who is an Arborist (that’s a professional tree specialist) at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, has some straightforward advice. She says:

“Choose a fresh, locally grown tree that looks green and healthy and is shedding very few needles. Don’t bring your tree indoors too early and if bought in advance, keep it outside in water until you’re ready to decorate it.”

A simple way to test for freshness is to gently run a branch through a closed hand. If the tree is fresh, very few needles should come off. Another trick is to lift the tree a few inches and drop it on its stump. A shower of green needles means it’s probably already a bit dry. A healthy tree will hold onto its needles. Keeping it outside in a bucket of water until it's time to decorate is a brilliant tip for anyone who likes to be organised and buy their tree early in the festive season.

Caring for your tree at home

Once the perfect tree has been chosen, the next stage is caring for it properly indoors. A common mistake is to bring it straight into a warm house and stick it in a stand. Before decorating, the RHS recommends sawing about 25mm (that’s roughly an inch) off the bottom of the trunk. Why? Because when a tree is cut, sap can seal the base, preventing it from absorbing water. A fresh cut opens it up again, allowing it to drink properly. The tree should then be placed in a holder that can be filled with water, and this needs topping up daily. A thirsty Christmas tree can drink a surprising amount, sometimes a litre or two a day, especially in the first week.

Where the tree is placed also makes a huge difference. They last longest in cooler rooms, away from direct heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Heat will make the tree dry out quickly, leading to dreaded needle drop. As Steph adds:

“Position your tree somewhere cool, keep it watered, and it should look good for around four weeks. A little care really does go a long way.”

These simple caring steps are the secret to a long-lasting and beautiful Christmas tree.

A complete christmas tree guide

Not all Christmas trees are created equal. The RHS suggests looking at the characteristics of different types, or cultivars, to find the one that best suits a home. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular options available, making choosing a little easier:

• Norway spruce: This is the traditional Christmas tree with that classic pine scent many people associate with the festive season. Its downside is that it tends to drop its needles quite quickly, so it needs extra careful watering.
• Nordmann fir: One of the UK's favourites for a reason. The Nordmann fir has lovely, soft needles that are great for families with kids or pets. It also has excellent needle retention, meaning less hoovering. Its sturdy branches are perfect for hanging heavier ornaments.
• Blue spruce: For those looking for something a bit different, the Blue spruce has a striking blue-green colour and a lovely shape. It also holds its needles well, but be warned, they are quite sharp!
• Fraser fir: This is a great option for smaller spaces. The Fraser fir is more compact and has a wonderful fragrance. Its branches turn slightly upwards, giving it a perky look.
• Lodgepole pine: Known for being much bushier than other Christmas trees, the Lodgepole pine has long, deep green needles that smell amazing. It sometimes even comes with its own natural decorations in the form of small cones.
• Korean fir: A less common but excellent choice. The Korean fir has dark green needles that curl slightly, showing off their silvery undersides. It has fantastic needle-holding quality.

A sustainable choice for the festive season

For those thinking about the environment, there are some wonderful sustainable choice options. Pot-grown trees are becoming increasingly popular. These are living trees that can be brought inside for the Christmas period, then moved back outside to continue growing. They can be planted in the garden in a sunny spot and then dug up and re-potted each winter. It’s like having a Christmas tree for life!

The RHS, being the nation's favourite gardening charity, also recommends alternative trees. Dwarf conifers or aromatic evergreens like the Norfolk Island pine or Japanese cedar can make stylish, reusable Christmas decorations. They might be smaller, but they bring just as much festive cheer. This approach to choosing Christmas trees is not only good for the planet but also a lovely tradition to start.

After Christmas: what to do with your tree

Once the twelfth night has passed and it’s time to take the decorations down, the life of the Christmas tree doesn't have to be over. Most local councils offer collection schemes to recycle trees. They are often shredded into chippings, which can be used in parks or woodland areas. Alternatively, if someone has a garden, the tree can be composted. The needles break down and enrich the garden soil, while the branches can create a habitat for wildlife. It’s a wonderful way to give back to nature after the festivities.

Making it a festive outing at RHS gardens

To make the experience of choosing a Christmas tree even more special, a visit to one of the RHS Gardens is a fantastic idea. During the festive season, they host the magical RHS Glow event, where the gardens are transformed with spectacular illuminations. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling walk through the lights and then browse a wide selection of high-quality cut and pot-grown Christmas trees.