RHS Award-winning horticulturist Simon Wilkinson gives his Christmas Tree shopping tips
With the festive season fast approaching, real Christmas trees will be appear in households across the UK – but how do you know if you’re buying a needle dropping nightmare or a verdant yuletide spectacle?
Simon Wilkinson, Managing Director of Wilkinsons Landscapes, says a few simple checks at the point of purchase can make all the difference between a tree that thrives and one that sheds its needles before Christmas Day.
He said: “People often get caught up in the excitement and forget to look for the signs of freshness and vitality. A good tree should feel supple, smell fragrantly piney and have a strong green colour. If it’s already dropping needles, it won’t last long once it’s indoors!”
Wilkinson recommends the following when selecting a tree:
- Check the needles: Gently run your hand along a branch. If the needles stay in place and feel soft, the tree is fresh and will last a long time.
- Look for vibrant colour: A rich green hue is a good indicator of health. Avoid trees with dull or browning foliage.
- Smell for freshness: A strong, natural scent suggests the tree has been recently cut.
- Choose the right shape: A symmetrical tree will be easier to decorate and look better from all angles.
- Know your species: Nordmann Firs are popular for their needle retention and soft foliage, while Norway Spruces offer a traditional scent but require more care.
Once the tree is home, Wilkinsons says proper care is essential to keep it looking its best:
- Use a water-holding stand: Select a stand designed to hold water and ensure it is topped up daily, particularly during the first few days when the tree will take up the most moisture.
- Trim the trunk: Remove 2–3cm from the base of the tree before placing it in the stand. This allows the tree to absorb water more effectively.
- Avoid heat sources: Position the tree away from radiators, fireplaces and direct sunlight to prevent premature drying and needle drop.
- Skip chemical treatments: Artificial sprays and additives are unnecessary – clean water is sufficient to preserve the tree’s freshness.
Thank you to Simon for these great tips. To find out more visit here
Founded in 1981, Wilkinsons Landscapes is operated by Simon Wilkinson, the second generation of his family to run the business. The Plant Centre is at the heart of Wilkinsons Landscapes and has several inspirational display gardens to view, walk around, and enjoy, as well as the largest selection of plants in the North East of England. Located in Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, the plant centre has a true focus on plants perfect for any garden, with a large selection of mature specimen trees, exotic garden plants, and fabulous conifers for customers to view and purchase at the very best prices. Wilkinsons Landscapes also operates a home garden design service covering every aspect of a garden, whether it’s a new area to relax in on those warm, sunny days or some colorful flower beds to spruce up an outdoor space. Its team of experts is extremely experienced when it comes to design plans and landscaping.
