10 Ways to Stop Xmas Tree Needle Drop

Cut Xmas Tree Over six million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year, enough to populate a small forest. There is a good range of suitable tree varieties available, from firs and pines to the popular Norway spruce. You can also buy varieties that are needle-drop resistant, which can worth the extra expense, especially if you plan on keeping your tree in a warm room.

Some Varieties of Christmas Trees Available in the UK

Nordmann Fir

Britain's best selling Christmas tree - due to its tendency not to drop its needles. It has a broad shape with dense foliage. However, its branches are weak and flexible, so it's not ideal for hanging heavy decorations. It is also one of the most expensive varieties available.

Fraser Fir

The narrow conical shape of the Fraser Fir makes it ideal for smaller rooms. It provides a better scent than the Nordmann variety, although prices are similar.

Norway spruce

The Norway spruce is a popular and economical choice, however, its needles are one of the fastest to drop. It has sturdy branches and an open habit, plus a lovely pine scent. However, you will need to treat this variety with care by keeping it cool and well watered.

Whatever variety you purchase you can make it last longer by taking care of two key factors:

1) keeping it cool
2) giving it plenty of water.

10 Hints and Tips on Keeping Your Christmas Tree Healthy

Try a Pot Grown Tree. If you are looking for a small Christmas tree and you have somewhere cool and shaded indoors to keep it, then this is an ideal choice. Once the festivities are over, just transfer it to a sheltered spot outside and keep it well watered.
Buy Directly From a Plantation. This is the best way of ensuring that your tree is fresh and healthy. At a plantation you can simply walk along the rows of trees and select the one you like, which makes tree shopping an exciting day out. The British Christmas Tree Growers' Association website will list plantations near you.
Inspect Carefully Before Purchase. If you are buying a cut tree, ensure that the needles (at the tips of the branches) do not fall when gently brushed. Also check the base of the tree to ensure that it has been freshly sawn.
Help Your Tree to Take up Water. You can do this by sawing off the bottom 2 cm from base of the trunk. This will remove any build-up of sap at the bottom, which can prevent water absorption.
Thin Out Crowded Branches. Before bringing your tree inside, cut-off any unwanted and congested branches. This provides a better shape and slows water loss by reducing the foliage area.
Keep Outside Until Required. The earlier you bring a tree into the house the more likely is to shed needles. So keep it in a shaded spot outside and steep it in a bucket of water until the last possible moment.
Give it a Shake. When you're ready to bring the tree indoors, give it a really good shake to dislodge any loose needles.
Keep it Well Watered. Stand the tree in a bucket of water filled with pebbles or use a commercial stand that holds water. Keep the water topped-up every few days.
Keep the Bark On. Do not remove any bark from the lower part of the trunk, for example when fitting it in a stand. If you do, this will make the tree dry out faster.
Keep it Cool. Keep your tree in a cool room, away from heat and draughts. For example, do not place it near a doorway or by a radiator. Also use low-heat fairy lights and always turn the lights off at night.