Experts warn of three common mistakes Brits make when looking after Christmas trees
Fir God’s sake – Experts reveal simple hacks to keeping your tree alive for longer this Christmas
In recent weeks, it’s been reported Brits have started panic-buying their Christmas trees. For those who plan on getting their Christmas tree early, experts have shared simple key tips within the home, that can ensure the tree is still alive ahead of the big day.
The Christmas tree is a big talking point in someone’s home over the festive season. Heating specialist, BestHeating, surveyed adults to reveal on average 63% every year feel their tree loses pines, the smell and rich colour ahead of Christmas Day, which leaves 43% feeling less festive.
Finding out many people are purchasing their tree early this year, John Lawless, content marketing manager at BestHeating wants to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, speaking to horticulturist and Christmas tree expert Deemer Cass from Fantastic Gardeners advises on the do’s and don’ts of looking after your tree, with heating being one of the biggest culprits.
The experts have revealed three common mistakes Brits make when looking after their Christmas tree in the home and provide tips on how to solve them just in time for the festivities:
1. Positioning near heat sources
The main mistake made is placing a tree near heat sources. You should avoid putting it near radiators and fireplaces as this will prevent it from drying out, looking wilted and shedding its needles. 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.
Deemer Cass commented: “We recommend you water a Christmas tree once a day with cold water. For a cut tree, although it looks amazing when positioned in front of an open fireplace, never do this as it will dry out.”
John recommends keeping the temperature between 16 and 18.3 degrees Celsius, although 70%* set the heating above this during the winter months and place the tree near radiators, hampering its lifespan in doing so.
2. A Humid room
Forgetting about the humidity of the room is another mistake people make - the ideal winter humidity is between 45% - 50%. 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.
Deemer Cass added: “Do not keep a potted Christmas tree indoors for more than 12 days at a time as it cannot survive in the warm temperatures indoors. Move your tree outside every 10-12 days for around 24-30 hours to allow the tree to recharge. Once the holidays are over it’s best to move it outdoors indefinitely so that it can continue to thrive.”
3. Placing in the centre
Finding the perfect placement is hard and many make the error of placing the tree in the centre of the room, but the best conditions are found in a corner that isn’t near heat sources and is also not at risk of being knocked. Make sure that the area is close enough to plug sockets so the lights can be turned on.
John Lawless of BestHeating commented: “Putting the tree up is one of the highlights of Christmas, but some people are left disappointed when theirs begins to looks worse for wear once the big day draws closer.
“It’s easy to make mistakes such as having the temperature too high and placing it in a humid room but by keeping it away from radiators and lowering the temperature of your home slightly, you should see the Christmas tree thrive over the festive period. For those wanting to put their tree up in advance we recommend a Nordmann Fir as it will live the longest in heated conditions and the needles won’t drop for a long time.”
