A Guide to Real Christmas Trees

Christmas trees have been a symbol of the holidays for over five centuries. These days, around 8 million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK annually, and an increasing amount of species are being used to decorate living rooms every year.

Want to know more about Christmas trees? Who better to ask than the tree experts! In this month’s article, we discuss six of the most popular types of Christmas tree, plus tips on how to care for your tree, including whether you can replant it in your garden once the festivities are over.

Types of real Christmas tree

These days, you can find a variety of trees being used in homes for Christmas, but the ones which remain the most popular are deep green conifers with the classic conical shape. Take a look at six of the most popular types of Christmas tree found in homes across the UK.

Nordman Fir

Nordman Firs are the most popular type of Christmas tree in the UK — and it’s easy to see why. They feature a symmetrical ‘Christmas tree’ shape with a wide base to store plenty of presents. They have rich, glossy green needles that are soft to the touch and strong branches that are perfect for holding baubles and other decorations.

But the reason most people opt for a Nordman Fir is their needle retention. The Nordman Fir doesn’t drop its needles, meaning there will be almost no clean up required throughout the Christmas period.

Balsam Fir

Balsam Firs are loved for their fragrance: a strong, spicy Christmas scent that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort and joy. 

Like the Nordman Fir, the Balsam also has a conical shape, wide base and excellent needle retention. It’s bursting with soft, dark green leaves that shimmer in the light with glints of silver.

Scots Pine

Native to Scotland, the Scots Pine has become a reliable favourite for homes across the UK. Its thick, sturdy branches make it a great choice for holding various decorations, and its dark green foliage makes for a rich, healthy-looking tree.

The needles of the Scots pine range from dark green to a green with a bluish tint. But no matter the colour, the needles won’t fall off for a long period of time, meaning less clean up and more fun.

White Pine

It may be called a White Pine, but its leaves shimmer with a bluish-green tint. Along with its full body, the white pine offers a glorious alternative to the traditional Christmas tree look.

As with many of the most popular Christmas trees, the White Pine has soft and flexible needles that remain on the tree for a long period of time. It also has no fragrance, which makes it a great choice if you have a sensitive nose. 

Norway Spruce

You might recognise the Norway Spruce if you’re a frequent visitor to Trafalgar Square in December. This is the tree that towers over Westminster, given each year as a gift by the city of Oslo.

The Norway Spruce has a distinguishing triangular shape and rich coniferous fragrance. Its needles are deep green and pointed but will fall off fairly quickly if they get too dry, so it’s important to water the tree regularly.

White Spruce

The White Spruce is another ‘white’ tree with a bluish-green tinge to the needles. It is loved for its foliage colour and has an appealing, natural-looking shape. The White Spruce is another great choice as a Christmas Tree because of its stiff needles and sturdy branches, which are ideal for hanging Christmas decorations from.

Can I replant my tree?

Unfortunately, most Christmas trees cannot be replanted, as they are separated from their roots when they are cut. You can’t replant any tree that has been separated from its roots.

However, some providers of Christmas trees allow you to purchase with a healthy root ball that has been securely wrapped in burlap. In this instance, you would be able to replant your tree so long as the roots are still intact.

Christmas tree maintenance

Most Christmas trees are low maintenance, but follow these tips to ensure your tree is safe and healthy throughout the Christmas period.

• Moisture is essential for keeping the tree plump, healthy and full of life. A dry tree may begin to sag, and its needles are more likely to fall off. Water your tree every day to keep it looking fresh.
• Keep your tree away from heat sources. A tree, especially a dry tree, could become a fire hazard if left too close to a heat source. Don’t place near a radiator, heater or fireplace and never go near the tree with an open flame.
• Clean up dropped needles as they fall from the tree. Sharp needles can pose a danger to pets and young children. If you have a tree that drops needles, remember to sweep or hoover them up regularly. 

As the winner of the Arboriculture Contractor of the Year award, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about trees. We provide a range of domestic and commercial tree services to keep your greenery looking great. So whether it’s a Christmas tree, garden hedge or 100-year-old Oak, we will ensure you get the advice and services you need to keep your trees safe and healthy. No job is too big or too small — we will visit your site to assess your trees and identify the most suitable services for you. Whether it’s tree felling, tree pollarding or general maintenance and upkeep, you can be sure that your trees are in the safest hands around.

To enquire about our services, or for any questions, get in touch with our team. And have a merry Christmas from everyone at Artemis Tree Services!