Take care of your Christmas tree

This guide will help you keep your Christmas tree looking bright and healthy, for the whole of the festive period.

Rooted Christmas Trees

It is quite common to buy rooted Christmas trees these days, as they can survive for a few years if they are well looked after. You should have less difficulty with a rooted tree than with a cut tree, but they still need maintaining. The most important thing to remember with a rooted tree is that the move from outside to inside can be quite shocking for the tree. Make sure you keep it outside for as long as you can, before you bring it into the house.

Once inside, it is important to water the tree regularly. Maintain a moist base in the pot to prevent drying out, and the needles should stay on the branches. You will also give your tree the best possible chance of surviving until the following festive period, which is one of the main reasons for buying potted trees. When it comes to the New Year, move your tree outside in its existing pot, and if possible, plant the tree. Mulching is recommended to protect against freezing.

Cut Christmas Trees

Cut trees require a great deal of care, but with regular watering you should be able to keep them green and fresh throughout the festive period. In fact, the healthiest way to keep a cut tree is to keep it in water at all times. You have to buy a reservoir stand which you can fill with water, this gives the tree a constant water supply. You need to make a fresh cut to the tree which creates a flat bottom to the trunk. This will help when standing the tree up straight, and it will also let the tree to take on board the maximum amount of water.

You should allow no more than 6 to 8 hours between making a fresh cut and placing the tree in water, so once you are home, you need to move quickly. Keeping the tree away from heat sources is going to help. But also keep water in the reservoir to extend the life of the tree and help retain needles.

Artificial Christmas trees

An artificial tree is for life, not just for Christmas! They can be large items, so make sure you have the space to store one after the festive period. Don’t just sling it in the back of your shed, or it will be in a sorry state when you attempt to retrieve it the following year.

You will also need to give your artificial tree the once over when you take it out of storage. Normally you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to do this quickly and easily. Be test a hidden part of the tree first – just to make sure that the vacuuming doesn’t take off the pine needles! Otherwise, you can use a dust cloth to lightly go over the branches of the tree. This will remove any dust that has gathered over the last twelve months.

Christmas trees are such a wonderful symbol of seasonal celebration. With a little love and care they will fill your home with festive cheer every Christmas.

Pencil Xmas tree save space

The reduced diameter of the tree, means it can be erected in a small room or hallway without causing an obstruction. For example, Dobbie’s Vicksbury pencil slim Xmas tree has a diameter of only 30in, regardless of whether you choose the 7ft or 12ft Christmas tree.

The tall but full figure of a pencil Xmas tree accommodates a full array of dazzling decorations. So you can fill the room with festive cheer and still have room to celebrate.

If you want to ‘go large’ on Christmas spirit but need to meet spoil-sport space restrictions, then a pencil Christmas tree is what you need.

With a wide range of pencil, table top, slim and wall trees to choose from at Dobbies.com, there’s a Christmas tree for everyone.

Pre lit christmas trees give an all-over glow. Click image for a range of pre-lit trees.

With a pre-lit Christmas tree, you need only assemble the tree and plug it in. Some larger trees will have multiple plugs for different sections of the tree, so having a power strip handy is a good idea.

There’s as much variety in pre-lit trees as there is in regular Christmas lights. Pre-lit Christmas trees come with single-colour, multicoloured, steady or flashing lights according to your taste.

When buying a pre-lit Christmas tree, look for one where the bulbs are clipped or fastened to the branches. Some cheap manufacturers simply wrap a string of lights around the branches. Over time, this string will shift as you take the tree in and out of storage, and eventually you’ll be back having to arrange the lights yourself.

Be sure to consider the kind of lighting you want, here are some choices:

Incandescent bulbs

These are cheap and easy to use, but they do consume quite a bit of electricity. The bulbs have relatively short lives compared to the other options, so you need to be ready with spares in case of unattractive burnouts. Incandescent bulbs also produce heat, although this is less of a concern when you have a fire-resistant artificial tree.

LED lights

LEDs are brighter than incandescent lights, produce almost no heat, and last much longer while using less electricity than incandescent lights. Therefore, they are increasingly popular, especially among the environmentally friendly.

Fibre optic

Fibre optic Christmas trees have a somewhat different look from the traditional Xmas tree light. They produce an all-over glow, or streaks of light that resemble fireworks. They can produce brilliant and beautiful colour-changing effects. You can also get “combination” trees that have a mix of fibre optics and LED bulbs.

Whatever style of pre-lit Christmas tree you buy, you’ll be making a long-term investment. One that will promise you many beautiful Christmases to come.

Save money now on a wide range of artificial Christmas trees at Dobbies.com.

From massive 15ft fir trees to 2ft table top trees, there’s an artificial Christmas tree to suit all homes and budgets.

Natural look Christmas tree

Click image for details

This wonderful tree comes in three sizes (5,6 & 7 feet) and is now half price, a saving of £55!

Slim Christmas tree

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For a great looking, compact Christmas tree it’s hard to beat this elegant pencil style. Now with a special offer 20% saving, it’s a great time to invest in this festive favourite.

Table top Christmas tree

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This 60cm bundle is bursting with natural charm and with Dobbies special half price offer is now only £7.50.

Big Christmas tree

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These giant Greenland firs now have a smaller price with 20% off. So think big and save big this Christmas at Dobbies.

Christmas trees in cities across the world look surprisingly similar.

If you were expecting tulips on trees from Amsterdam, or koalas cuddling Christmas trees in Sydney, you might be disappointed.

However, this collection of colossal Christmas conifers should cheer you up.

Ile de France, Paris
Photo by Simon Pearson

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
Photo by Vincentq

Sintra, Portugal
Photo by Delusional Princess

Magna Plaza Mall, Amsterdam
Photo by Ewen Roberts

The Grove, Los Angeles
Photo by Loren Javier

Stockholm, Sweden
Photo by Iain Farrell

National Gallery, Canada
Photo by Aaron Bihari

Takashimaya Mall, Singapore
Photo by Nhy Nguyen

Bellevue Square, Washington
Photo by Mike Roberts

St Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican
Photo by Sunshinecity

Many believe the Christmas tree tradition began in 16th century Germany, but the ancient Egyptians celebrated greenery in winter long before.

Ancient Christmas trees

Egyptian palms - a symbol of life
Photo by Hubert Stoffels

The ancient Egyptians believed the sun god Ra was recovering from illness during winter, and the palms symbolised life triumphing over death.

The Romans also enjoyed decorating with natural green foliage during the winter solstice. They took things further by exchanging gifts of coins, food and lamps – symbols of prosperity, happiness and light. The Roman festival was called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.

Ancient Britain had its own winter solstice rituals. Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and placed evergreen branches over doorways to keep away evil spirits.

Christmas trees as we know them today

Christmas trees and Christianity
Photo by Shiny Things

The first recording of Christmas trees outside a church is in 16th century Bremen, Germany. Trees decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and flowers were erected in guild halls to be enjoyed by the apprentices and children.

However my favourite tale is of a 7th century monk from Crediton in Devon, who went to Germany to spread the word of God. Legend has it he used the triangular shape of the conifer to illustrate the Holy Trinity of God. The people he converted revered the evergreen tree as God’s tree. By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, at Christmas across Europe as a symbol of Christianity.

England’s first Christmas tree came with the German Georgian kings. German merchants living here also decorated their homes with a Christmas tree. But the English were not admirers of the German monarchy, so the Christmas tree trend did not catch on until later.

In 1848, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (who was German) made Christmas trees popular in England, with a family portrait in the Illustrated London News. The royal image of perfect family life around the Christmas tree, kicked of the seasonal trend across the U.K.

Artificial Christmas trees

Modern day Christmas trees
Photo by Andrew Blight

The artificial trees used widely today were first created by the Addis Brush Company in America. They were created using the same machinery that made their toilet brushes!

The new and stronger artificial Christmas tree proved very popular, as they were more resilient and could hold heavier decorations than the feather tree variety.

Modern Christmas trees

Today the brush style artificial Christmas tree and real Christmas trees, are by far the most popular trees at Christmas. However, the modern versions of the Christmas tree are becoming common place.

For the ever tighter spaces we live in, pencil or slim Christmas trees fit nicely with our modern way of life. Whereas, the futuristic light effects of fibre optic Christmas trees are now firm favourites with the children, and their calming glow is growing on the parents too.

From palm leaves to fibre optics, there’s a tree in history that will compliment every festive celebration. So if you haven’t put the Christmas tree up yet, what are you waiting for?

Christmas trees are prime suspects for accidents

Christmas trees are prime suspects for accidents. From stepping on spiky needles to burning the house down, just a few precautions can keep your Christmas accident free and cheerful.

Here’s our guide to keeping safe around the Christmas tree:

• Make sure the tree you buy is fresh, dry Christmas trees are highly flammable. To test your tree, simply bend a few needles between your fingers. If they fall off easily or if they don’t spring back when flexed, walk away.

• Once you have selected a good tree, place it in a sturdy stand. With a strong and heavy stand the tree is less likely to fall over.

• Water real Christmas trees regularly. This will help your tree last the festive period and keep the needles off the carpet.

• Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, especially open fires. This will prolong the life of your tree and help prevent accidental fires.

• Never put candles on or near your Xmas tree. It may look traditional and romantic, but it might cause your house to burn down.

• Clean away dropped needles quickly. Needles that have been shed are a fire hazard and can get stuck in pet’s paws and uncovered toes.

• Thoroughly check your Christmas lights before decorating the tree. If they look worn or the flex is damaged, discard and buy new. Wiring faults are a common cause of house fires.

• Try to position your Christmas tree near the plug socket. Trailing wires can cause people to trip and injure themselves.

• Do not overload power supplies. Make sure that you read instruction manuals carefully before switching Christmas lights on.

• Make sure your Christmas tree is not blocking an exit. Clear exits are essential not only in the workplace but at home as well.

• Before you go to sleep at night, make sure that all your electrical Christmas decorations are turned off and unplugged.

Dobbies stock a wide range of safe and sparkly Christmas tree decorations to help make your festive holiday happy, peaceful and safe.

Real or artificial? These are the usual options when choosing a Christmas tree.

However, if you’re getting bored with the traditional fresh pine tree or the artificial Christmas tree is looking a bit tired, why not try something new.

For your inspiration, we have collected 11 crazy Christmas trees:

Extremely expensive Xmas tree, made from pure gold
Photo: Born Rich

Extremely cheap Xmas tree, made from recycled bottles
Photo: Danny Driscoll

Designer dress Christmas tree
Photo: 1 funny

A hand-knitted Christmas tree
Photo: Eden Project

Corporate beer bottle Christmas tree
Photo: Inhabitat

Homemade beer can Christmas tree
Photo: Jesie Hart

Shopping trolley Christmas tree
Photo: Unique House Furniture

Big bicycle Christmas tree
Photo: Oddity Central

Ferrero Rocher Christmas tree
Photo: Sparklette

Pure chocolate Christmas tree
Photo: Spluch

Upside down xmas tree
Photo: Infobarrel

A Christmas tree is the decorative heart of every home at Christmas.

Choosing the right tree is important. Too big and the tree takes over a room, too small and you get called a Scrooge.

So we’ve put together this Christmas tree size guide to help you navigate the vast forest of Christmas trees.

2ft, 3ft and 4ft artificial Christmas trees

2ft artificial Christmas tree
Click image for more Xmas trees

They also add festive cheer to the workplace without taking up too much room. A small Xmas tree will improve moral amongst employees and share seasonal celebration with customers and clients.

Many 2ft artificial Christmas trees come pre-decorated, saving time, fuss and money. Miniature pre-lit and fibre optic Christmas trees are particularly popular and add seasonal sparkle to every desktop, windowsill and table.

Low maintenance, low cost, and a small foot print, make these little trees the perfect way to spread the Christmas spirit far and wide.

6ft, 7ft and 8ft Christmas trees

7ft fibre optic christmas tree
For more fibre optic trees click image

They fit snuggly in to the average lounge, can be transported without too much fuss and look majestic when dressed with tinsel, lights and baubles.

Due to popular demand, this size range offers the widest variety of real and artificial Christmas trees to choose from. From the ever popular fresh Nordman fir tree to futuristic fibre optic trees, there’s a Xmas tree to help everyone celebrate this season.

So if you want to fill your home with garlands and glee this Christmas, make a head high tree your centrepiece.

10ft, 12ft, and 15ft Christmas trees

Tall Christmas trees
For full range of Xmas trees click image

Tall Christmas trees like these are excellent for filling hallways at home or transforming receptions in the workplace. You can be sure to make a festive impact on guests and visitors with these colossal Christmas trees.

Christmas trees of this height are widely available as real or artificial trees, but don’t leave it to the last minute as stocks may not last long.

Tall artificial Xmas trees tend to be natural in appearance, creating an earthly elegance. Fibre optic and pre-lit Christmas trees of this size are rare.

If you want to impress this Christmas, go large and get a double figure fir.

Christmas tree considerations

Before you go out and get this year’s tree, take a tape measure and note the size of the intended space for your Christmas tree.

With the desired dimensions in your pocket, you have a better chance of finding the perfect Christmas tree to fit your festive needs.

Champion Xmas tree growers grand display

Latest reports from the competition organisers, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), suggest that competition is extremely fierce this year. So expectations are high in the lead up to the announcement of the winner on October 13th.

Christmas tree competition

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association’s competition, now in its 13th year, continues to have strict marking criteria and a very prestigious prize.

The competition is divided into five categories: pine, fir, spruce, container growth and wreaths. Each finalist can only submit two of any one species per category. All trees entered must also be between 1.8m and 2.2m in height. The judges then score the trees on their foliage, colour, shape and marketability to determine the overall winner.

Christmas tree prize

The crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower has the honour of being the Christmas tree supplier to the Prime Minister, and will have their tree displayed outside Number 10 throughout December.

Another winner’s efforts will also go on display at the Prime Minister’s house. The champion wreath maker will also see their decorated wreath in prime position on the iconic black door at Number 10.

Roger Hay, secretary for the BCTGA, said: “Our annual tree competition is hugely popular among our members. It’s always a wonderful sight to see the winning grower’s tree outside the Prime Minister’s home and we’re in no doubt that this prestigious prize will attract lots of entries again this year.”

Whether you prefer real Christmas trees or artificial Christmas trees, find the perfect tree to take up prime position in your home this year at Dobbies.com