How to buy & care for your Christmas tree

Planning
If you want to get the best from your Christmas tree this year, start planning early. The first thing to consider might seem obvious, but have you decided on where you will put your tree? Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be against a wall? This will affect the size and shape of tree you should choose. Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as radiators, since these will damage the tree. Also, placing it too close to open fires or even TVs could create a fire hazard!

Once you know where it's going to sit, measure the height and width of the space you have available: there's nothing worse than getting a tree inside only to find it's too tall or wide. Take a tape measure with you to check your chosen tree fits and remember a rope to tie your tree to the car if the nursery or shop doesn't deliver.

Choosing your tree
Choose a fresh, healthy-looking tree. In the UK, the Norwegian Spruce in one of the most popular, but a number of other trees such as the Noble Fir and Blue Spruce are increasing in popularity, although they can be a little more expensive.

Whatever the type, a fresh tree will have a healthy green or grey appearance with only a few brown needles. Its needles should be flexible and feel rubbery, and not fall off if you rub your hand along a branch. To check, lift the tree 5cm (2in) or so off the ground and drop it on its cut base. Few green needles should drop off, though it is normal for a few brown needles to fall. Finally make sure the base of the tree is straight and about 15cm (6 in) long so it will fit easily into a stand.

Keeping it healthy
When you bring your tree home, cut off about 1.5cm (about half an inch) from the base to expose fresh wood and stand the tree in a bucket of warm water outdoors or in a cool place inside such as a garage. Be sure it is protected from sun and drying winds. Snow and rain will not harm the tree, but heat will cause the needles to drop quickly.

When you bring the tree inside for decoration, make a fresh cut across the trunk at least 2.5cm (1in) above the old cut. The smoother and cleaner the cut is, the better the tree