The fascinating history of Christmas trees and tips for choosing and caring for yours

Fresh Christmas trees now in stock – Plus, 20% off for Loyalty Scheme Members!

There’s nothing like the sight and smell of a fresh Christmas tree to bring the festive season to life! At our Garden Centre, we’re excited to offer a stunning selection of real Christmas trees to make your Christmas season special. Plus, loyalty scheme members get 20% off, making it even easier to create a beautiful, eco-friendly Christmas.

Here’s your guide to choosing the perfect tree, caring for it, and even exploring a unique twist on tradition with upside-down Christmas trees.

Our top Christmas tree varieties

Nordmann Fir – the UK’s favourite low-drop tree

Known as the "non-drop Christmas tree," the Nordmann Fir is the UK’s most popular choice. Its glossy, deep-green needles hold beautifully throughout the festive season, making it ideal for those who like to put their decorations up early. With soft needles, it’s perfect for households with children or pets. Strong branches make it a great choice for hanging heavy ornaments, while its symmetrical conical shape makes it picture-perfect.

Available in:  Cut Trees: From 3ft to 8ft 

Fraser Fir – slim, stylish, and scented

The Fraser Fir, with its silvery-green needles and beautiful orangey fragrance, is perfect for smaller spaces and those who love a fresh scent. Its branches are slightly upturned, and while its shape may be less symmetrical than the Nordmann, it’s packed with charm. Its low needle drop and soft needles make it a practical and attractive choice.

Available in: Cut Trees: From 5ft to 7ft.

Caring for your Christmas tree

Keep your tree looking its best throughout the Christmas period:

1. For cut trees, take a fresh slice off the trunk’s base before placing it in water. This helps the tree absorb water more effectively, just like fresh flowers.
2. Store outside in a cool, frost-free place until you’re ready to bring it indoors, and keep it well watered.
3. Choose the right spot: avoid placing your tree near heat sources like radiators, which can dry it out.
4. Water daily  to keep needles fresh and your home filled with that festive scent.

The Christmas tree tradition in the UK

The Christmas tree as we know it owes much of its UK popularity to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1846, a sketch of the royal family gathered around a beautifully decorated tree in the Illustrated London News captured the public’s imagination. Victoria’s immense popularity ensured that decorating a tree became a fashionable holiday tradition, spreading not only across Britain but also to America’s East Coast elite.

Although Christmas trees were relatively uncommon in Britain before Victoria’s reign, Queen Charlotte, the German-born wife of King George III, introduced the practice in 1800 at Queen’s Lodge in Windsor. Despite her efforts to bring this German custom to the UK, it was Victoria and Albert’s royal endorsement that firmly established the Christmas tree as a festive staple.

Interestingly, the traditional upright Christmas tree wasn’t the only style in use. Upside-down Christmas trees, dating back to the Middle Ages, predate even Queen Charlotte’s efforts. This inverted tradition, rooted in European Christian symbolism, adds another fascinating layer to the history of Christmas trees.

The history of the upside-down Christmas tree

Meet the festive tradition that has literally turned Christmas trees on their heads! While the upside-down Christmas tree trend has seen a modern resurgence, it actually dates back to the Middle Ages.

In 7th-century Germany, Saint Boniface, a Benedictine monk, is said to have inverted a fir tree to represent the Holy Trinity. This practice spread through Europe, where families would hang their trees upside down from ceilings to save space or as part of festive traditions like Poland’s podłaźniczka. In the 19th century, poorer families often adopted this space-saving approach.

Today, the upside-down Christmas tree is a stylish twist on tradition, popular where floor space is at a premium or simply as a striking decorative feature often used in hotels or department stores.

How to hang and decorate an upside-down Christmas tree for yourself

To create a truly special upside-down Christmas tree, choose a lightweight smaller tree, secure it with strong wire or straps, and hang it from a heavy-duty ceiling hook. Decorate it carefully, starting with lightweight lights, ribbons, and garlands before adding delicate ornaments, keeping the look minimal to highlight its unique position. Ensure safety by using a sturdy hook that can take the weight of your chosen tree and place the tree in a low-traffic area to avoid bumps or tugs. This modern twist on tradition is sure to become a festive centrepiece and a delightful conversation starter!

Visit us today – and don’t miss your discount!

Whether you’re after the classic symmetry of a Nordmann Fir, the fragrant charm of a Fraser Fir, or even inspiration for an upside-down tree, we have a great selection of premium trees to make your Christmas truly special.

And don’t forget – loyalty scheme members enjoy 20% off, so be sure to sign up today.

Happy Christmas!