Choosing a cut Christmas Tree

First set up your Christmas tree stand in the place you want your tree - measure the diameter of the opening at the base as this determines the maximum trunk size that will fit the stand. Now measure both the height and width of your space so you can find a tree that looks both appropriate and attractive.

Before heading for the shop or market, make sure you’ve got protective gloves, a tape measure, and an old blanket or plastic sheeting for the top of your car, rope and bungees.

Find a tree you like, and then measure the height, width, and trunk diameter to confirm that it will fit in your space, if you’re buying from a reputable seller, you should be able to check the tag or batch label that will tell you when the tree was cut. The fresher the better as it will last longer.

Lift the tree off the ground and drop it back to the pavement, base first. If it's dry and drops lots of needles, put it back! If you’re shy of such an obvious test, you can grip a branch in the palm of your hand and pull toward the end - no needles should fall off.

If the tree is too tall, you can ask to have some bottom branches cut off. Be sure to keep these for decorations around your home. Have about inches cut off the bottom of the trunk of the tree to open up the pores – some growers treat the bottom of the tree to stop it leaking sap and if you don’t remove that treated area, you tree will struggle to take up any water.

Drive home slowly, checking to make sure the tree doesn't shift on the top of the car – many accidents happen when Christmas trees slide around on cars, or even fall off!.

Christmas tree care photograph by Dave Parker, used under a creative commons attribution licence.