Dobbies Fraser Fir slim cut Christmas tree, £39.99 (© Dobbies Garden Centres)

Senior expert at garden centre shares top tips for selecting your tree this Christmas


Nothing makes Christmas feel quite as magical as picking your real tree. It’s the centrepiece of the festive season, the backdrop for treasured family traditions, and the place where presents gather on Christmas Eve. For many, choosing a real tree together is the moment the celebrations truly begin.

According to Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to finding the perfect fit. Nigel explains: “Buying a real tree is such a special part of Christmas, but it’s worth planning ahead. Measure the height, width and depth of your space before you come into store, it avoids the disappointment of getting home and realising your tree is too big or too small. I always recommend bringing a tape measure with you, it makes the process stress-free.”


Real trees for every home


At Dobbies, there’s a real tree for every size and style of space, from grand family living rooms to compact apartments, starting from just £24.99. Nigel says:

“If you’ve got tall ceilings or an open-plan area to fill, the Premium Nordmann Fir is a classic choice. The UK’s most popular Christmas tree for a reason, its lush, deep green needles and full conical shape give a traditional festive feel. The needles are softer too, so it’s ideal for homes with young children or pets.


“For narrower rooms, the Nordmann Fir Slim is a clever solution. You still get the elegance and height of a full-size tree, but it takes up much less floor space. It’s been specially grown for this shape, so it looks perfectly balanced in smaller living rooms.


“And if space is really limited, pot grown trees are brilliant. They’re compact but still make a real statement once decorated with baubles and lights. They’re perfect for balconies, porches or more compact homes, and the great thing is they can be planted outside after Christmas to enjoy for years to come.”


Scent and colour


Nigel adds that choosing by fragrance or foliage can really enhance your Christmas atmosphere: “If scent is important to you, I’d recommend the Fraser Fir. It has a wonderful citrus-like aroma that fills your home, and its blue-green tint gives it a striking look. It’s beautifully shaped, with a narrower silhouette than a Nordmann Fir, so it won’t dominate the room but still feels generous.


 “For smaller spaces, the Blue Spruce is another great choice. Its silvery-blue needles bring a cool, festive elegance, and it gives off that classic Christmas tree smell. It’s particularly good if you’re looking for something compact but distinctive. These are also available as pot grown options, making them a sustainable long-term choice.”


Caring for your real tree


Once you’ve chosen your perfect tree, care is key to keeping it looking fresh throughout December. Nigel explains: “With a freshly cut tree, keep it outside in a sheltered area until you’re ready to bring it indoors. Trim around an inch from the base of the trunk and stand it in a bucket of water, that helps it draw up moisture and reduces needle drop.


“When you move it inside, place it in a stand that holds water and make sure the reservoir is topped up daily. Real trees can drink a surprising amount, sometimes up to a litre a day, so it’s worth checking regularly.


“Position your tree away from radiators or open fires, as heat will dry it out quickly. And when decorating, spread ornaments deeper into the branches for balance, not just on the outer tips. The Premium Nordmann Fir is excellent for holding lots of decorations thanks to its full structure.”


Dobbies also has a range of water-holding stands and tree care essentials available in-store, so customers can keep their tree looking vibrant for as long as possible.


 Sustainability at the heart


Every Dobbies real tree is grown in partnership with Needlefresh, who are committed to sustainable practices. Nigel says: “Our trees aren’t cut from wild forests. They’re grown on environmentally-managed farms across Scotland, with each one nurtured for up to 12 years before it makes its way into our stores. Every tree is hand-pruned to create the perfect festive shape, and because the work is done by hand, the impact on wildlife is kept to a minimum.


“That means when you take a Dobbies tree home, you can feel confident it’s been grown with care.”


Nigel’s top tip


Nigel’s final piece of advice: “Choosing your Christmas tree should be one of the highlights of the festive season. Take your time, measure up carefully, and think about the look and scent you want in your home. With the right preparation and care, your tree will stay fresh and beautiful right through Christmas, and it will be the heart of your celebrations.”


 

Shop Dobbies real trees



Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree (4-5ft), from £24.99; Pot Grown Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree (2-3ft), £34.99; Pot Grown Blue Spruce Christmas Tree (1-2ft), £24.99; Nordmann Fir slim cut tree (6-7ft), £39.99


For more expert advice and seasonal inspiration, visit www.dobbies.com


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About Dobbies

Dobbies was founded in 1865 by James Dobbie and is headquartered near Edinburgh. This year Dobbies celebrates 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow. 

Dobbies shares its passion for gardens and plants through own brand and branded products, concession partners and services. Fifty-two of the 53 stores also feature a restaurant or coffee shop, where customers can enjoy refreshments or meals in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

Dobbies champions garden living all-year-round and offers a calendar of events and experiences that bring people and communities together.


For the A - Z list of stores in Scotland, England, Wales and N.Ireland, please visit www.dobbies.com


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