Do you decorate the Christmas tree at Christmas? In order for the colorful lights to sparkle optimally, you need a good tree. We'll tell you what you should pay attention to when buying and give you tips on how to keep the Christmas tree looking beautiful for a long time.
Table of contents
- Before buying a tree
- Where can you buy the fir tree?
- Which variety is best?
- How do you recognize a fresh Christmas tree?
- Set up the tree correctly
- This way your tree will stay beautiful for a long time
- Christmas tree in a pot: Rent or keep
- After Christmas
Christmas trees belong to Christmas like Amen to church. But a natural Christmas tree is actually more than just a beautiful eye-catcher.
“A real Christmas tree is not only a feast for the senses, but also a contribution to nature and the region,” explains Benedikt Schneebecke, chairman of theAssociation Natural Christmas Tree. Did you know that one hectare of Christmas tree cultivation stores around 145 tons of CO₂ every year? In addition, around 90% of the trees sold in Germany come from regional growing areas. In doing so, you not only support the local economy, but also reduce transport emissions. And: After the celebration, natural Christmas trees can be biodegraded and processed into mulch or compost.
But not all trees are the same. We'll tell you what you need to pay attention to when buying a Christmas tree so that you can find the perfect Christmas tree and how best to prepare it for giving presents.
Before buying a tree
Before you head out to buy your Christmas tree, there are a few things to consider:
- Measure exactly where you want your tree to stand. Write down the height and width. It would be a shame if your tree didn't fit into the living room.
- Think about which tree you want. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Get a good Christmas tree stand. Models with a foot lever are very practical because they can be operated without the help of others.
The right timing: Don't just buy your tree the day before Christmas, start looking for it a few days beforehand. Then store the tree in the garage or basement at over 8 °C. This causes insects that may be slumbering in the branches to awaken and leave the tree to find food.
Where can you buy the fir tree?
Are you already thinking about where is the best place to buy your tree? You have several options to purchase the Christmas tree of your dreams.
Foresters or farmers
Your local foresters and farmers will certainly offer Christmas trees. This has the advantage that the trees are guaranteed to have been grown regionally and are very fresh. They are usually a little cheaper too.
- Remember to pack sturdy shoes. So you won't have any problems with the somewhat impassable terrain.
- Plan enough time. You may have to drive a bit and the selection should not be made hastily.
- Make a trip out of it: with some farmers you can cut the tree yourself. A special experience for children and adults alike!
Garden centers or nurseries
If you don't have a car or would rather not drive that far, this method is a little more practical than the forester. Garden centers and nurseries often offer a wide range of trees that are usually fresh and of good quality.
- You can get detailed advice from experts here.
- If possible, go during the week to avoid crowds.
- The trees can be a little more expensive.
Hardware stores and supermarkets
Trees from hardware stores or supermarkets are particularly practical. You can easily pick up your Christmas tree while doing your weekly shopping.
- This option is very time-saving because you don't have to travel far to buy the tree.
- The selection is usually a little smaller.
- The trees are often densely packed together, so you can't admire them with their branches fully spread out.
Internet
Yes, you can also order Christmas trees online! Pretty modern, right? Your tree will then be conveniently delivered to your home, just like any other package.
- You can choose between a variety of trees online.
- The trees are often delivered on a desired date.
- However, you cannot check the quality personally; you have to trust the dealer's descriptions.
Which variety is best?
Of course, which type of tree is the most beautiful depends on your individual taste. However, the fir trees have a few differences that may make your decision easier:
Norwegian tooth
The most popular Christmas tree in Germany.
- Advantages: The Nordmann fir grows very evenly and has rather soft needles. Plus, it lasts quite a long time.
- Disadvantages: It does not give off the pine scent that is so popular with many buyers. The fir is also comparatively expensive.
Blue spruce
This blue-green fir is also very popular and known for its unusual coloring.
- Advantages: The tree grows very evenly and gives off a great scent. It is also slightly cheaper than the Nordmann fir.
- Disadvantage: The blue spruce is quite dense up to a height of around two meters, but the top becomes a little bare. It also stings a little.
Not in the mood for the classics? Here are some alternatives:
- The Nobili fir: Quite slender and long-lasting, but with irregular growth.
- Norway spruce: Comparatively cheap and has a great scent. But the needles are quite sharp.
- Cork fir: Beautiful growth and long-lasting needles. However, the color is not to everyone's taste.
Related to the topic:
How do you recognize a fresh Christmas tree?
Of course, no one wants to have a tree that was felled weeks ago standing in their living room. Fresh fir trees simply look nicer and last longer. This is how you recognize them:
- A light cut surface indicates that the tree is fresh.
- Green or closed branches and cones are also characteristic of a fresh tree.
- If the tree smells slightly spicy and resinous, that is also a good sign.
- The tree does not lose needles immediately. Run your hand along the branches to test whether the tree has been stored for a long time.
Set up the tree correctly
The exact placement of your tree depends, of course, on where you like the tree best. However, there are some rules that you should keep in mind. This way your tree stays fresh for a long time and you can enjoy it for longer:
- Do not place the Christmas tree too close to a heater. The warm air causes the needles to dry out quickly.
- The same applies to places with a lot of drafts.
- Place the tree so that it is not in direct sunlight. This also dries out.
Reading tips:
This way your tree will stay beautiful for a long time
If you want your tree to stay beautiful for a long time, you should follow these tips:
- Transports the tree in a net or film.
- If the tree doesn't fit in the car, you should strap it with the tip towards the back of your car.
- First, keep the tree in a shady, cool place, such as the garage.
- Use a tree stand with a water tank (you can find one hereAmazon*) to supply your tree with water. A bucket is also suitable.
- You can add some flower freshener to the water.
- Spray your tree with a little water once or twice a day.
Christmas tree in a pot: Rent or keep
You want yours? Then a Christmas tree with roots is ideal. This stands in a pot instead of on a stand. You can therefore simply use it again next year.
Please note:
- Your new “potted plant” should be left in the room for a maximum of ten days.
- The tree needs to acclimatize. Therefore, first place it in a bright, cool place. Even later, the tree should be kept bright and not too warm.
- Before you plant your tree outside, you need to store it in a cool stairwell or garage for a few days. This way he can get used to the new climate.
Rental trees as an alternative
Did you know that you can also rent trees? This offer saves you from having to dispose of the tree after Christmas and at the same time saves it from being cut down.
The principle is simple: your rental tree is delivered by the provider in a pot. You then set it up and decorate it for your party. After the Christmas holidays, the tree will be picked up again and planted outdoors. Practical, right?
After Christmas
Once the festival is over, your Christmas tree will soon start losing needles. Then it's time to dispose of the tree. But please remove tinsel etc. first!
- Take the tree to a collection point. The trees are often then used in incineration plants to generate electricity.
- Some communities offer a pick-up service. Then you have to bring the tree to the side of the road. It's best to find out how the service works at your location.
- You can also use the branches as a cover for your beds. So.
