Top Tips for Choosing your Perfect Christmas Tree

Choosing the perfect Christmas tree and getting it in its perfect spot is one of the great joys of the season, but with so many options, it can also be a challenge. How do you pick and place one that will last all through the festive season and look flawless in your home?

Fear not, the Christmas tree experts at Pines and Needles have you covered!

Veronika Kusak, Ecom Director at Pines and Needles, urges people "Before you start scrolling Pinterest and Instagram for decorating inspiration, it makes sense to ensure you’ve chosen the best Christmas tree for the room it’s going in.” she says. Veronika continues, “We’ve all come home with a tree that’s too wide, too skinny, too tall, or too short. For decorations to really shine, the tree itself has to be perfect first.”

TIP ONE: Evaluate Your Space

Before buying your Christmas tree, you probably already have a spot in mind, but is it really the best spot? Your tree should take pride of place as the centrepiece of the room where your family will gather on Christmas Day. Ask yourself:

• Is it too close to a heat source?
• Is it in a high-traffic area where baubles could get knocked off?

If so, you might want to rethink your placement.

To choose the perfect spot, ensure there is enough space when your tree is unnetted and the branches are in their normal position, ensuring it isn’t too close to walls or furniture.

Measure the height of your ceiling - nobody likes a squished angel! Your tree should be at least half a foot shorter than the ceiling to leave room for a topper.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to include the height of your tree stand - it can save you some last-minute rearranging.

TIP TWO: Pick Your Tree

Choosing the right type of real Christmas Tree can be daunting. There are many types of Christmas trees, such as the beloved Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, and Noble Fir. They come in all shapes, sizes, and shades of green, each with unique characteristics. If you want a particular look, it’s worth researching the type of tree before shopping. 

For more than 25 years, Pines and Needles has supplied London homes and customers nationwide with premium Christmas trees. Their firm favourites include:

• Nordmann Fir – A best-seller year after year, known for vibrant colour and excellent needle retention.

• Fraser Fir – Ideal for smaller or narrower spaces, with rich green tones and a classic shape. Grown in our Scottish plantation.

• Noble Fir – A UK-grown beauty with a classic Christmas scent, strong branches, and non-dropping needles. Available from 5ft to 8ft this year.

TIP THREE: Fresh Christmas Tree

It’s easy to tell if a real Christmas tree is fresh, there are simple things to look out for, such as:

• Needle check: They should be flexible and stay on when you gently shake or tap the trunk.

• Appearance: The tree should have a healthy shine,  a dull or dry look can indicate it’s past its best.

• Timing: Buy or collect your tree no more than six weeks before Christmas Day.

Remember, real Christmas trees are living things, so putting them up too early can affect their freshness and longevity. 

With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a beautiful, festive tree that stays fresh, full, and safe!