How to Choose the Perfect Real Christmas Tree

Nothing creates a traditional festive atmosphere quite like a real Christmas tree. Its natural shape, rich green foliage and fresh fragrance make every tree wonderfully unique.

With several varieties available, choosing the right one can feel difficult. Some trees have softer needles, some offer a stronger fragrance and others are particularly good at retaining their needles. Here is our simple guide to finding the perfect real Christmas tree for your home.

What are the different types of real Christmas tree?

Nordmann fir

The Nordmann fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees in the UK. It has glossy green foliage, soft needles and a naturally full shape.

Its excellent needle retention makes it a practical choice for busy family homes and anyone planning to display their tree throughout December.

Best for:

• Excellent needle retention

• Soft, family-friendly foliage

• A full and traditional appearance

• Homes with children or pets

Norway spruce

The Norway spruce is the classic traditional Christmas tree. Its dense green branches, pointed needles and distinctive fresh fragrance create an unmistakably festive atmosphere.

It can shed more needles than fir varieties, so it needs regular watering and is best brought indoors closer to Christmas.

Best for:

• A strong traditional fragrance

• A classic Christmas-tree shape

• Customers who love a natural appearance

• Shorter indoor display periods

Fraser fir

The Fraser fir has soft, dark-green needles with silvery undersides. Its narrower shape makes it particularly suitable for smaller rooms or spaces where a wider tree might feel overpowering.

Its strong branches hold decorations well, while its pleasant fragrance and good needle retention make it an excellent all-round choice.

Best for:

• Smaller rooms and narrower spaces

• Good needle retention

• Hanging heavier decorations

• A fresh but not overpowering fragrance

Noble fir

The Noble fir has blue-green foliage and evenly spaced, sturdy branches. Its more open structure provides plenty of room for hanging larger decorations.

It also offers good needle retention and an attractive natural fragrance.

Best for:

• Large or statement decorations

• Strong, well-spaced branches

• Good needle retention

• An elegant, slightly open shape

Choose the right size

Measure the height and width of your chosen space before buying your tree.

Leave approximately 6 to 12 inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling, remembering to allow additional room for your tree stand and topper.

Consider the width too. A full tree may look beautiful outdoors but could overwhelm a small room. Slimmer trees are often better for corners, hallways and compact living spaces.

How can I tell if a real Christmas tree is fresh?

Look for a tree with healthy, evenly coloured foliage and flexible needles.

Gently run your hand along a branch or lift the tree slightly and tap its base on the ground. A small amount of needle loss is normal, particularly from inside the tree, but excessive green needles falling away may indicate that it is beginning to dry out.

A freshly cut tree should also feel reassuringly heavy because it is still holding plenty of moisture.

Check the shape from every angle

Real trees naturally vary in shape, which is part of their charm.

Stand back and look at the tree from several angles. Check that the shape suits the position where it will be displayed and that the branches are strong enough for your decorations.

If the back will face a wall, a slightly uneven tree may still work perfectly while giving you a beautifully full front.

How should I care for my real Christmas tree?

Once you bring your tree home:

• Make a fresh, straight cut across the bottom of the trunk.

• Place it in a sturdy stand that can hold water.

• Keep the base of the trunk submerged.

• Check the water level regularly and top it up when needed.

• Position the tree away from radiators, fireplaces and direct sunlight.

• Use LED lights, which produce less heat than traditional bulbs.

Good care will help your tree remain fresh, fragrant and attractive throughout the festive season.