Guide to Buying a Real Christmas Tree: Which Type Should I Buy?

There’s a lot of pressure at Christmas to ensure everything is perfect. The perfect present, the perfect dinner and overall, the perfect day.

So why not let B&M help relieve some of this stress with our fool proof guide to buying a Christmas tree!?

If you’re wondering whether to buy a traditional Norway Spruce or something more modern and unconventional, we’re here to help. From tall to short, cut to pot grown, here’s what you need to know about buying a real Christmas tree this year…

Nordman Fir

The Nordman Fir is the UK's most popular Christmas tree, boasting soft, dark green foliage and flattened needles.

Nordmans give off an attractive citrus scent when crushed while its reputation for retaining needles means your tree will keep its shape over the Christmas period.

B&M Top Tip: if you're opting for a cut tree this year, you'll need a quality stand to keep it straight and true. Take a look at our range of Christmas tree stands online, from beautiful wrought iron stands to hard-wearing plastic.

Norway Spruce

With its reputation as the 'original' Christmas tree, Norway Spruce is the ideal choice for traditionalists.

Its bushy, conical shape is straight out of a classic Christmas card while its mid-green colour will look gorgeous decorated with baubles, tree decorations and tinsel.

Blue Spruce

 

The ever-more-popular Blue Spruce is finding its way into our households at Christmas time due to its enchanting blue-green colour.

Grows in a soft, conical shape making it an increasing favourite with traditionalists.

 

All our trees are available as Pot Grown Christmas trees. This means they’ve been grown in the ground in their pots – when lifted out, they retain the majority of their roots so the tree should survive and thrive if put outside in the New Year.

With a little TLC, you’ll have a Christmas tree for years to come!

Both Nordman Fir and Norway Spruce are also sold as Cut Christmas Trees. Pop in to your nearest B&M Garden Centre store to see what sizes are available near you.

Christmas Wreaths

Christmas isn't just about the tree. Remember, first impressions are eveything, and what you hang on your front door this yuletide season can say a lot about you and your decor.

Which is why we stock a great range of beautifully decorated advent wreaths, from traditional evergreens with red berries and bows, to frosty pre-lit wreaths full of winter pinecones. Perfect for an authentic, winter woodland look!

B&M Top Tip: if you’re buying a cut tree, take off about an inch of the end of the trunk as soon as you get it home. The clean, fresh cut will remove any dried–over resin that may otherwise prevent the tree absorbing water.

Top Tips for Caring for Pot Grown Trees

While our pot grown trees may be smaller in size, they more than make up for in usage.

Those of us with a green-fingered approach to life will love the project that’s involved with buying and caring for a pot grown tree. With a little TLC, your Christmas tree will flourish throughout the year and can be brought inside as soon as the Christmas adverts start.

Here are our best tips for caring for pot grown Christmas trees:

• Don’t bring your tree inside the house straightaway. Let it adjust to the change of environment by leaving it in a covered porch or underneath a larger tree.
• Living pot grown trees like cool temperatures and natural light, so while it’s outside give it a sunny spot away from sources of heat, like tumble dryer vents.
• Pot grown trees can dry out easily so water daily if possible to keep it well hydrated.
• Remember to position your Christmas tree away from heat sources (radiators or working fireplaces) - this applies to cut trees too!

B&M Top Tip: keep cut Christmas trees in at least 2 inches of water. This stops resin forming over the end of the trunk, ensuring your tree can take up water as efficiently as possible.

Take a look at our selection of real Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths and tree stands in your local Garden Centre store, or on our website now. We also stock a superb range of artificial Christmas tree, available at low prices which you'll find across all our stores!

Which type of tree is your favourite? Whichever one you decide on, we want to see your beautiful trees sparkling in your home – share yours with the B&M community on Facebook, X & Instagram!