It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wrapping presents, snuggling up to watch Christmas films and eating deliciously naughty food are all popular pastimes, but choosing and decorating your own Christmas tree while listening to Michael Bublè (obligatory) has to be top of all Christmas traditions. There are a fair few places in and around Surrey as well around London that you can head to pick the perfect tree and some farms that allow you to cut your own. The latter is hilarious fun – for all the family.
Where to pick your own Christmas Tree
Crockford Bridge Farm Shop, Addlestone Surrey
Oxenford Farm, Elstead
The Christmas Forest, Locations Across London
The Christmas Tree Cabin, Upminster
Maurice Mandy Christmas Trees, Ottashaw Surrey
South London Christmas Tree Farm, Chelsfield, Kent
Christmas Tree Farm, Chesham
Hans Christmas Anderson, Guildford
Flower Farm Shop, Godstone
Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham
Pines and Needles, locations across London
Newdigate Farm
OTHER:
Maurice Mandry, Ottershaw
West Green Fruits, Hook
Newbury Christmas Tree Farm, Newbury
Caring for your real Christmas Tree
Once you’ve chosen your Christmas tree, it’s really important to know how to correctly care for your Christmas tree.
Here are some top tips to ensure your tree will last up to and beyond Christmas Day.
- Needle drop occurs if the tree dries out after being cut down. To preserve your tree, display it in a reservoir stand and keep it topped up with water.
- If you plan to store your tree before decorating, leave it somewhere cool – like your back garden. Once in place, make sure you stand your tree in water.
- Don’t erect your tree next to direct heat sources, radiators, open fires etc. This will cause needle drop very quickly.
- Always keep your receipt. Trees will inevitably lose needles over time, but if your tree becomes bald overnight, you’ll need to take it back for a replacement.
Choosing a Christmas tree
Choosing a Christmas tree is a big decision, especially with folk getting their decorations up early this year to spread a little cheer. If you’re wondering about the different types of Christmas tree, you’ve come to the right place.
Christmas trees have been used to celebrate both pagan and Christian winter festivals for thousands of years. For pagans, decorating their homes with branches during the colder months made them think of the spring to come. Trees for Christians meant a sign of everlasting life with God. It’s thought that the first person to bring a Christmas tree into a home was 16th century German preacher Martin Luther. The story goes that one night before Christmas, Luther was walking through the forest, looking up at the stars shining through tree branches. The sight was so beautiful he went home and recaptured the scene for his family in their main room, wiring the tree’s branches with lighted candles.
Today’s Christmas trees take a familiar form, and to fill you in on the most popular types, we have our handy guide below. Which type of Christmas tree will you choose?
Types of Christmas Tree
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir pretty much guarantees the classic Christmas tree shape. The tree’s full branches are of soft needles, offering a plump, filled out tree. The glossy dark green foliage makes the Nordmann Fir are favourite for many families.
Norway Spruce
If you’re looking for the quintessential Victorian Christmas tree the Norway Spruce is for you. The tree’s elegant shape are a result of thinner needles, perfect for dressing with baubles and ornaments. Generally they’re a less expensive option, because they grow at a faster rate. The Norway Spruce also gives off a festive scent – to fill your home with the smell of Christmas.
Blue Spruce
The Blue Spruce, albeit prickly, is a beautiful looking tree, similar in appearance to a Nordmann Fir. Its needles are distinctive in colour – their bluey green hue makes it a popular option for those looking for something slightly different. Top tip – if you’re planning to cut your own, use gloves!
Fraser Fir
Not widely known, and a new planting for many farms, the Fraser Fir displays a perfect pyramid shape with dense branches from the floor up. The Fraser Fir’s deliciously appealing pine scent makes them the tree of choice for many.
