Meet the Christmas tree companies that don’t want you to buy your tree in November

Christmas tree etiquette is confusing, particularly with each family having their own traditions. But, as Christmas creeps up, two London Christmas tree companies warn against decking the halls any earlier than the first of December.

“Obviously, people are incredibly excited in the run up to Christmas and getting the Christmas tree up and decorated is one of the most magical jobs,” says Sam Lyle, owner of celebrity favourite Pines and Needles.

“Although traditionally people have always put them up the first or second weekends of December, we are seeing a year-on-year increase of people buying their tree in the last week of November.

“Last year so many celebrities had put their trees up in November, but it could lead to disappointment by the time the big day arrives,” said Sam, famed for supplying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Madonna and One Direction with their fabulous firs.

Kelty Caston, owner of The Christmas Forest, added, “There is no doubting the appeal of putting your beautiful bushy tree up at home earlier than ever, however, without the right care your tree may end up looking a little sad and dishevelled if it has been up since November.”

Both companies joined forces to provide some top tips for keeping their trees in tip-top condition throughout the festive period.

“If you are meticulous with looking after your tree, then it may well last throughout the Christmas period and beyond even if it is bought in November,” adds Sam. “You have to think of your tree like cut flowers, as that is essentially what it is. You always keep your flowers topped up with water so you need to do the same with your Christmas tree.”

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Kelty, who has helped plant more than 200,000 trees in Africa thanks to the company’s tie-up with TREE AID, elaborated, “Water your tree, and then keep on watering it! Your tree may drink two to three pints of water a day, depending on the size and your central heating settings.

“If you want your tree to take up water effectively then you should saw 1-2cm off the bottom of the tree before you put it in a holding stand. After that, it’s important to make sure that the water level doesn’t drop below the tree’s trunk. If it does, sap will re-seal the bark within a few hours, which will prevent your tree from drinking any further water even if you then re-fill the Christmas tree stand.

“Real trees give you the incredible smell, the bragging rights and the opportunity to choose a different tree each year. It’s something the whole family can get involved in, but just remember they are natural living things, and once they are cut they begin to die. Time the arrival of your tree with this in mind to increase longevity and get the most out of it.”

As well as cutting off the bottom, here are some other top tips:

  • Routine

    If you leave your tree outside in the frost for two days then place it next to the fire, it won’t like it. Trees, like most people, are creatures of habit and prefer steady conditions.

  • Heat

    If you want your tree to last (and more people have bought in November than ever) position your Christmas tree away from any heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces.

  • Water

    Your tree is thirsty. Place your tree in plain water—not soil or sand, which would block the pores in the bark. This is best achieved by using a specially designed Christmas tree stand. Many precious hours can be wasted trying to make a Christmas tree stand up straight in an ordinary bucket using just bricks or stones!

  • More water!

    Your Christmas tree may drink 2-3 pints (1-2 litres) of water per day, depending on its size and your central heating settings. This is very important as once the water level drops below the tree’s trunk, sap will re-seal the bark within a few hours, preventing the tree from drinking any further water.

With this advice, you shouldn’t be left fir-lorn by 25th December, but ready to enjoy Christmas day with your beautiful, healthy tree proudly at the centre of the festivities!

Pines and Needles
The Christmas Forest

 

 

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