Want to make sure that your Christmas tree lasts the whole of December? Kelly Taylor, award winning florist and founder of Taylor's Flowers has some great tips to help you get the best from your Christmas tree this year.
Follow these few great hints and your tree could see you into the New Year. Pic: John Lewis
1. Go for freshly cut or root ball
"When looking for a natural Christmas tree, either buy a freshly cut tree or one in a pot with a root ball. The latter is especially good if you have room in the garden for a tree as it means that once the festivities are over, you can plant it in the garden, rather than having to dispose of it."
2. Get acclimatised
"If you buy your tree from an outside stall or nursery, it is important to acclimatise the tree before taking it into your warm home. Keep it somewhere cool, dry and out of the wind for several hours. The best is to try and find some sort of middle ground, maybe a shed or enclosed patio.
Whilst it is still outside, saw about 3cm off the bottom (unless you bought one with a root ball of course), this opens the pores in the bark and allows the tree to absorb water. Once you have done this, you are ready to move your tree inside."
3. Keep it cool
"When deciding where to position your tree, make sure to avoid placing it near any heat sources such as radiators as the tree will dry out, which will cause the needles to drop."
4. Pretend it's a bunch of flowers
"Once a tree has been cut, you need to treat it as you would a bouquet of flowers, rather than a tree. Place your tree in plain water, adding just a little bit of sugar to it to help feed the tree. Do not put it into soil or sand as this can block the pores in the bark and the tree will not absorb water."
5. Give it a drink
"It is essential to keep the tree stand topped up with water, so make sure you keep an eye on it as it is likely that your tree will drink up to three pints of water per day. If the trunk dries out (which can take a matter of hours) sap will re-seal the bark preventing the tree from drinking and your tree may not make it to Christmas!"
6. Lights off
"Finally, remember to switch your tree lights off at night. The heat from the lights can damage the tree and cause the needles to drop."