Ideal Home's complete guide to Christmas trees

How to pick the perfect tree and keep it looking fresh throughout the festive season

Trim and decorate your Christmas tree

UK's favourite Christmas trees

Before you start Measure your room and work out the size you need. You don't want a tiny tree that will be lost in a room with high ceilings or worse still having to chop a bit off if its too big.

When to buy Buy your tree around the 10 December as there will still be a good selection out there to choose from and it won't droop towards the end of the holidays from buying too soon.

Where to buy The best way to ensure fresh good quality is to buy direct from a grower or reputable nursery. Visit the British Christmas Tree Grower's Association at www.christmastree.org.uk for a list of farms near you.

Choosing your tree Think about which colour you prefer and how long you will need it to last. The Norway Spruce often looks best, but drops more needles than the Nordman Fir. Avoid Scots Pine if you have small children, as its needles are often sharp. Check out our species list for the qualities of each variety.

How to spot a healthy tree The needles should not be dull and dried up. The branches should not be brittle and the outer needles should not fall off if the tree is gently shaken. Run your fingers down its lower branches – these should be flexible and needles should stay on the branch.

Once your tree is home Keep your tree outside in a cool shaded area and standing in water until it is required indoors. Just before bringing it in pot it in earth if it is rooted or cut approx. 3 cm off the bottom to open up pores that may be blocked from sap making it easier to draw in water.

The Right Base Cut trees should be in water, held securely on a stand with screws to hold it in place. Rooted trees need a stable-based pot with drainage.

Last tips to remember: