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.

cut down Christmas tree

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!

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We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard work... We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard working and knowledgable team. Thanks again, see you next year.

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Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant tea... Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant team even removed the leaves from the lawn. Thoroughly recommend! Very reasonable pricing also. No hidden extras.

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David Lynn

The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.... The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.

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Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

2 months ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

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The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

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This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

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Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

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As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

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Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

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This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

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We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

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