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With the scent of pine and a sense of tradition, there’s nothing better than a real tree at Christmas.
But often people looking for a cheaper option are left with a twiggy specimen whose needles look as if they will fall off before they can even get the tree home.
So how can you make the right choice if you’re on a limited budget?
choose the right size
Think about how much space you have in both ceiling height and width, take accurate measurements, as the size you need will determine the cost.
Find low-end bargains
There are various gradings of Christmas trees, with premium-grade trees having a perfectly traditional conical shape and a full, uniform appearance.
But customers can find some fantastic ‘second grade’ trees – they just take a little longer to find, says Christmas tree buyer Andy Little British Garden Center,
Remember, your tree will be viewed almost exclusively from one location.
“At garden centers, grab cheap trees and check where there are bald spots, flat edges and uneven gaps, and turn the tree around a few times to see if there’s an angle you can put it in your home where it will still look great.
“Think about embellishments you can use to cleverly disguise and hide blemishes. These little imperfections can save you some money,” suggests Little.
go small
“Small trees can be just as impressive as larger trees, especially when grouped with houseplants for the full display,” suggests plant buyer Nigel Lawton. Dobby’s Garden Center,
“Arrange small, pot-grown trees on a table to give them the desired height and decorate them like a larger tree – just be sure to use lightweight baubles and wire lights so as not to put too much pressure on the branches.”
Picea trees come in fairly common pot sizes and typically grow no more than a meter tall, making them ideal for a windowsill or tabletop, says Little.
“Often, garden centers sell some of these pre-decorated and in Christmas-themed pot covers, but it is still possible for someone to purchase a plain/bare tree in the conifer section of a garden center and decorate it themselves using decorations they already have.”
You can choose affordable pot covers and battery operated lights to personalize it as per your taste. If you’re lucky, you might even find some trees in the clearance section of a garden centre, as retail shops make room for fresh stock in the new year, he adds.
Consider a pot-grown tree
Although these may seem expensive at first, they can potentially last a long time.
“Buying a tree early gives you that ‘get your money’s worth’ feeling, making pot-grown Christmas trees an ideal choice for the budget-conscious, as they arrive at garden centers in late October, a month before cut Christmas trees arrive,” says Little.
“It’s also a living tree that can be left out in your garden after Christmas, giving you the option to reuse it the following year.”
Pot-grown trees will last a long time with good care, Little says.
“They are very thirsty plants, so be sure not to let them dry out – you want them moist, not wet. Keep them away from heat sources – radiators, fireplaces and underfloor heating are nightmares for Christmas trees.
“They like humidity, so if your home is particularly dry, sprinkle water on the tree occasionally every few days to ensure it looks green and lush for longer.”
He suggests that after Christmas, slowly integrate it back into the outside environment so that it is able to adapt.
An unheated garage, veranda or conservatory is ideal for a few days – somewhere cool and sheltered, before going back outside completely. After that, a good practice for the rest of the winter would be to protect it from direct sunlight and strong winds, and water only when the compost is dry to the touch.
minimize needle drop
like cheap trees norway Spruce are more likely to drop needles than their more expensive Nordmann fir counterparts, so buy them closer to Christmas, or display them outside if you’re going for the cheaper option.
However, if you keep your tree in a cool area and are cautious about watering you can reduce needle drop.
“To minimize needle drop on any cut tree, make sure it is not stored close to any direct heat sources or in rooms that are above the average temperature of the house,” advises Mark Sage, horticultural purchasing manager. B&Q,
“Selecting a sensible location should ensure that the harvested tree will last five to six weeks with minimal needle fall. When selecting, look for bright green needles that are flexible and bendable and do not fall off easily when touched.”
“If you chose a freshly cut tree, once you get it home, place it in a protected area outside, cut an inch off the base of the stem and let it stand in a bucket of water until you’re ready to bring it indoors—this will help reduce needle fall,” says Lawton.
Make sure you get a stand with a water reservoir that you can easily top up.
“Whether you go for a fresh-cut or pot-grown tree, you should keep it away from any radiators or heat sources as this can cause the needles to dry out faster,” says Lawton.
use clippers
Once you’ve cut down your tree to suit your space, save money by reusing any extra branches and clippings into timeless, natural decorations, Sage suggests.
“These can be used to make festive garlands for a mantelpiece or staircase bannister, woven into wreaths for the door, or placed in small vases with water to add a beautiful natural scent and a touch of greenery to various rooms around the home.”
You can pick up a wicker wreath base inexpensively from garden centers, says Lawton, then use Christmas tree offcuts and other foliage like pine, holly cuttings and berries from your garden to give a festive touch.