Help to stop my Christmas Tree needles dropping?
This is the question I get asked the most during the lead up to Christmas. There is nothing like having a real tree in the home at Christmas and here are some tips to help stop your’s dropping its needles.
1 – Choose a variety of tree that will hold its needles well. The Nordmann fir or Douglas fir do this better than the traditional Norway Spruce. These are more expensive but do hold better. I reconmmend to Normann because if you do lose some needles that are soft and not sharp like the Norway Spruce.
2 – Once you have decided on the type of tree, check that its needles are attached firmly to the branches. They should look fresh and green. The base of the tree should be pale in colour which is a good sign that the tree has not be cut too long.
You’ve got the tree home.
3 – Now you have got your tree home, saw off between 5cm and 10cm off the bottom. It is also a good time to check that the tree stand or water clamp is big enough for the trunk. Once cut you can roughly score at the bark that will be inside the stand. This will help with water absorption when in the house. Never peel off the bark to make it fit the stand or the tree will dry out. Place it in a bucket of water outdoors in the cool shady spot. This will help re-hydrate the tree and give the branches a chance to settle. Leave the tree in the water overnight if possible but at least for a couple of hours.
Moving the tree inside.
4 – When you are ready to bring the tree inside give it a vigorous shake. This will help dislodge any loose needles and save on some tidying up. You will see some old needles drop to the floor from the tree. Do not worry as they are from when the tree had been growing in the field and some will have been dislodged from the netting process. Make sure you choose a cool place for the tree that is away from radiators and if possible use low heat fairy lights.
I hope this has been helpful and by following these tips your tree will see you through the festive season.
If you have any questions then please contact me use the form on this site.
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