In the following days and weeks, many of us will make our annual pilgrimage to the local Christmas tree farm, garden centre or nursery to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. But what exactly is the perfect tree, or more precisely, what is the right Christmas tree for you? And how should you go about making your selection? We all spend so much time thinking about and planning our Christmas tree decorations – are we going maximalist or minimalist, lights or candles, tinsel or paper garlands? – so it’s only right that we give the same consideration to the tree itself. An artist cannot work without a decent canvas, after all. With so many types of Christmas trees to choose from, there are a few crucial things to consider before making that purchase – namely variety, height, shape and real versus artificial. We have put the most pressing questions about different types of Christmas trees to some top experts so that you can head off on your buying expedition armed with all the information you will need.
Which types of Christmas trees are best?
Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Blue Spruce… With so many different types of Christmas trees available, it can all become a little bit baffling. In the UK, the most popular variety is the Nordmann fir – and with good reason. As the experts at London Christmas tree seller Pines and Needles explain, ‘The most common selling point for this type of Christmas tree is definitely its excellent needle retention.’ Byron Thomas, head of horticulture at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, agrees: ‘We love the Nordmann for its amazing needle retention, its classic silhouette, its lush and vibrant foliage, and the gentle fragrance that fills the room.’
The Norway spruce, which is what will you see in Trafalgar Square every year, is often considered the most traditional type of Christmas tree. ‘The Norway spruce, which is steeped in Christmas tradition, has a classical shape and finer leaves,’ says Byron, ‘but those lighter branches can make heavy decorations problematic. Also, they can be prone to slightly more needle-drop than the Nordmann, especially when placed indoors with central heating. Other options include the Lodgepole Pine for that real feeling of wilderness and the Blue Spruce for those who really want to stand out and make a statement.’
As its name suggests, the Blue Spruce – which is native to North America and is sometimes known as the Colorado Spruce – has distinctive bluish grey-green needles that gives a rather different look to the classic Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce. The Fraser Fir, which is another popular choice among Pines and Needles customers, is distinguished by its dark blue-green needles and its more slender shape. ‘I try to find a Fraser Fir as they have an elegant, longer profile that takes up less floor space in a small house,’ says floral stylist and Christmas tree aficionado Amy Merrick. ‘But Nordmanns are a classic choice, too,’ she adds.
And finally, remember to consider providence. ‘Don’t be afraid to ask where the tree has come from and what their sustainability ethos is,’ says Byron from Petersham. ’A good supplier will know exactly where their trees are from.’
Which size of Christmas tree is best for you?
Needless to say, the deciding factor here is the room in which you will be putting your Christmas tree. If you’re lucky enough to have an expansive entrance hall or living room, then bigger might well be better. However, if you live in a small flat or house – or a cottage with low ceilings – you will probably need to be a little more conservative. ‘Make sure you measure beforehand and take the tape measure with you,’ advises Byron from Petersham. ‘We often feel that trees look smaller in a wide, open space alongside 9 and 10ft specimens, and it’s easy to get carried away and “go large”. Then, when we get home, we realise that it’s going to take up half the living room.’
So is there an optimum height? ‘I would always recommend going as large as your room can comfortably accommodate for maximum impact,’ says Christine Kasoulis, home director at The White Company, which sells some incredibly realistic artificial trees. ‘First, measure your ceiling height – it’s best to leave between 6 and 12 inches between the top of the tree and your ceiling to allow space for a tree topper if you use one.’
It’s also important to consider the width and girth of your tree, especially if you’re ordering it online or over the phone. Pines and Needles offers the following rule of thumb: ‘The girth at the widest point of most Christmas trees is a little less than half its height. For example, a 6ft Christmas tree is approximately 2.9ft at it’s widest point.’
Which shape of Christmas tree is best for decorating?
If you’re hoping to create a very traditional display, you will probably want to look for the fullest, bushiest tree with a classic pyramidal shape. ‘The Nordmann offers excellent shape, beautiful rich and deep glossy leaves, strong branches for heavy decorations and lasts all through Christmas into the new year,’ says Byron. This is Petersham’s tree of choice for its professional decorating service, which you can book for your own home if you find the whole process to be more of a pain than a pleasure.
‘More than the variety, I look for a tree with personality – a natural, spontaneous shape and a lot of open space are ideal for showing off decorations, and I love to see a bit of trunk!’ says floral stylist Amy Merrick, who also decorates Christmas trees for her clients at this time of year. ‘So many places clip branches to make “perfect” bushy triangles, but I far prefer a windswept, loose tree. And I often get given a discount for taking away something that no one else seems to want!’ Some people seem to be taking this a step further with extremely skinny and sparse trees gaining traction on social media in what has been dubbed the ‘Ozempic tree’ trend.
How can you keep your tree looking its best right through the Christmas period?
Real Christmas trees do need a little love and attention if you want them to keep looking full and fresh for as long as possible. The two key things to remember are: water and a cool environment. ‘Ensure the tree is sitting in water and keep away from radiators – or turn local ones off – and keep away from the direct heat of open fires or burners,’ advises Byron. If you do have a cooler room in the house, such as hallway, a conservatory or garden room, you might want to consider positioning your tree there to reduce needle-drop.
When should you consider an artificial Christmas tree instead?
If you are an early bird who likes to put your tree up in November or on December 1, an artificial tree might be a better option – otherwise you risk having an almost-bare tree by the time Christmas Day arrives. The same is true for people with pets and small children, who might be tempted to meddle with the lower branches before discovering just how sharp the needles can be. If you’re a cat owner, remember that the oils produced by some real Christmas trees are mildly toxic and can irritate their mouth and stomach.
‘While the idea of a real Christmas tree is wonderfully nostalgic, the reality is that an artificial tree can be a far more practical, and enjoyable, choice,’ says Christine Kasoulis from The White Company. ‘Not only is it a more sustainable long-term option, but it’s also one you can pull out year after year, easily stored away between seasons in our Christmas Tree Storage Bag complete with handy pockets for your Christmas decorations and wreaths too.’
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6ft Grand Spruce Christmas Tree
House & Garden's verdict:
From realistic, bushy foliage to memory foam flex technology, The White Company's artificial Christmas trees are a cut above the rest. This was the second of their offering that made our cut, but this time it's a more squat, less even structure. The ‘Grand Spruce’ is very easy to assemble, with a stand that can take the weight of the tree and plenty of Christmas decorations (you'd be surprised at how many can't do that). Plus, this artificial Christmas tree is available unlit or pre lit, which means you don't need to faff around with string lights. The only downside to this tree is that it doesn't come with a seagrass or rattan tree skirt like the ‘Symons’ model does. Fortunately, there are some very smart tree skirts out there. Overall, the ‘Grand Spruce’, plus a tree skirt works out cheaper than the ‘Symons’.
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