Christmas is just around the corner and it’s nearly time for the annual tradition of picking out your Christmas tree. Here at Weston Sawmill, we are delighted to say our Christmas tree nursery and our Christmas shop are now open for the early celebrators who can’t wait any longer. This article will help you pick the perfect tree for your home. Continue reading to discover more!
History Of The Christmas Tree
So, where did the Christmas tree come from? According to sources, the modern Christmas tree originated from Germany in the 16th century. Back then, they were known as a paradise tree which was a fir tree decorated with apples in their branches. Some people also built Christmas pyramids made of wood and decorated them with evergreen and candles. By the 17th century the paradise tree and the Christmas pyramid had combined, becoming the Christmas tree. The tradition wasn’t introduced in the UK until the 19th century when it was populated by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Elizabeth.
Real Tree or Artificial Tree?
Every household prefers a real tree, or an artificial tree, every year. For a true Christmas tree experience, a real one from Weston Sawmill is the way to go. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a real Christmas tree:
- More sustainable and have a smaller carbon footprint than artificial trees.
- A renewable resource with at least one tree planted when one is freshly cut.
- Estimated to use 10 times fewer materials and 5 times less energy than artificial trees.
- Completely biodegradable, meaning they can be recycled and composted.
- Christmas tree nurseries and farms benefit the environment by absorbing heaps of CO2.
- Let’s not forget the iconic pine smell that fills your home and plenty of luscious greenery to decorate it.
What’s The Best Christmas Tree To Pick?
If you want to put up your Christmas tree in your home earlier but still want it to look brand new on Christmas Day, opt for our Nordmann Fir tree. This is one of our most popular trees, known for its full shape, glossy green colour, and excellent needle retention. We also have other types available, our Potted Nordmann is ideal for anyone working to a strict budget and our Potted Norway Spruce can be planted in your garden even after Christmas to retain its needles. With good maintenance and time, you’ll have your very own Christmas tree straight in your back garden!
How to Choose Your Christmas Tree?
So, you’re ready to choose your Christmas tree. Before you leave the house, we recommend you measure the height of your living room, or the room where you want your tree to go. Here our guidelines to keep in mind when choosing your tree:
- Everyone has a personal preference on the shape of the tree. In general, bushy trees with a wide base and a straight central stem tend to be the best.
- Check the needles for any dryness, browning or withering. Good needles should be bright and shiny. The colour of needles should be even across the whole tree. Grey parts are a sign of dehydration.
- Outer branches should be flexible enough to bend upwards. If they snap easily, the tree is too dry. This is not good for hanging your fragile ornaments and decorations on.
- Give your chosen Christmas tree a little shake and brush a few branches with your hand to see how many needles fall. The shedding of needles is a normal process but too much shedding on the outside needles can lead to a bare looking tree.
- Check the diameter of the trunk to make sure it fits into your tree stand.
Choose Weston Sawmill For Your Christmas Tree
At Weston Sawmill, we have a selection of freshly cut trees in our nursery based in Weston-under-Lizard, Shropshire. We also have a beautiful range of lights, decorations and more in our Christmas shop. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best quality Christmas trees because we understand the importance of having a visually pleasing and practical tree in your home. Get in touch or visit us today!