You’ve been putting your Christmas tree in the wrong spot! Horticulturalists reveal where your fir should go to make sure it lasts throughout December
- As UK welcomes December, FEMAIL reveals tips on putting up Christmas trees
- READ MORE: Is this Britain’s wonkiest Christmas tree?
Christmas is less than a month away – and while some eager festive lovers may already have their trees up, others will kick off December by decorating their fir this weekend.
We all have our traditions when it comes to how and where the festive decor sits – but is that actually the best place for it?
And are there any corners of the house we should be avoiding for practical and aesthetic reasons?
Experts around the UK and Ireland have revealed that everything from windows to heating sources affects the prime real estate for your tree – especially if you’re going for a natural one.
Here, FEMAIL has rounded up the best tips and tricks from the pros – including advice on what the best room in the house is, and how to make your pine work in a smaller space.
Christmas is officially less than a month away – and while some may already have their trees up, others will kick off December by decorating their fir this weekend. Stock image used
STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS
While it may be tempting to place your tree in front of your window, and show off your festive pride and glory to all – experts warn too much direct sunlight can ‘dry it out’.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Emily Simmons, creative director at Ruggable, said to avoid leaving your fir in the rays too much, as this won’t only be bad for it, but will also ‘block natural light coming into your room’.
She added: ‘I would always suggest placing your real Christmas tree to the side of the window or nearer a window that isn’t a south-facing one.
‘This way, your tree will still get the light it needs, without giving it too much direct sunlight. The natural light will be able to dazzle your tree decor as well, adding to the festive feeling in your home!’
AVOID HEATING SOURCES
Experts say that making sure to keep your Christmas tree in a cool place will make it happier overall – not matter how idyllic it looks by a cosy fireplace.
‘The Christmas tree should take centre stage but always avoid positioning near a heat source like radiators and fireplaces,’ John Lawless, of heating specialists BestHeating explained.
‘For a home with underfloor heating, try and turn it off in the area with your tree.
‘If you can’t avoid a warm place, make sure the stand or box is constantly topped up with water as a Christmas tree uses up to two litres of water a day.’
And temperature isn’t just an important consideration when it comes to the home.
The best Christmas trees to put up early
For those eager to get into the festive spirit early, Petar Ivanov from Fantastic Services reveals that before picking your Christmas tree you should consider the tree type as some may start to dry up and drop pines faster than others.
‘You can expect a Christmas tree to last around three to four weeks or even longer in some cases,’ he said.
‘The key is to start with a fresh tree and maintain its hydration throughout its time indoors. With proper care, it can last up to five weeks or more. If you’re wanting to decorate early, I would recommend opting for a Fraser Fir or Douglas Fir as these are known for holding their needles better than other varieties like Scotch Pine.
‘When picking out your tree always inspect before purchase and choose one with vibrant, flexible needles that are firmly attached to the branches as a healthy tree at the start is more likely to last longer.
‘Look for one that has the least amount of brown needles and is displayed in a shady location. It’s generally recommended to avoid picking ones from sunny display areas.’
Deemer Cass – a horticulturist and Christmas tree expert from Fantastic Gardeners – added: ‘Regarding the temperature of the water, like most other plants, Christmas trees prefer it cold.’
Cass added: ‘There’s no such thing as overwatering unless you fill the stand up every hour.’
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CORNERS
If you have a smaller space, corners are your best friend. That way the tree is tucked out of the way, and isn’t being knocked over.
However, Deemer also said there are precautions to take here.
‘If you’ve opted for a pot grown Christmas tree, place in a cool corner of your home that gets lots of natural sunlight,’ he explained.
‘Make sure the tree is away from any heat sources too.
‘Another key tip to note with potted Christmas trees is that you mustn’t keep indoors for more than 12 days at a time as it will slowly start dying.
‘Move your tree outside every 10-12 days for around 24-30 hours.’
KEEP THE ROOM HUMID
If you’ve opted for a real Christmas tree, it’s important to make sure the conditions of the room help it thrive.
This means not only tending to watering it, but ensuring that the atmosphere is right for it.
‘The home’s ideal wintertime humidity is between 45% – 50% and is also the perfect moisture level that your Christmas tree requires,’ John said.
‘If the air is too dry, it will cause the tree to wither, in which case, use a humidifier to add moisture in the air and help your Christmas tree stay alive and fresh until the end of the holiday season.’
VENTURE OUTSIDE THE LIVING ROOM
The living room is a classic location for the three, as it’s perfect for bringing the whole family together.
But speaking to Livingetc last year, interiors expert Sarah Bowen warned that while it’s definitely a great option, don’t be afraid to explore with the best place to put your tree.
‘An expansive entryway can be an excellent location for your Christmas tree, especially if it has a double-height or vaulted ceiling,’ she suggested.
‘That way, you can pick a taller tree that wows as soon as people enter your house.’
This is helpful when considering both real and artificial trees.
She also added that if you’re attached to the living room, it may even be worth having two trees and going ‘all out’ for the holidays.
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