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The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Caring for Your Christmas Tree

It’s that time of year again! This year, Riverside Plants is pleased to offer premium Nordmann ‘Non-Drop’ trees and Fraser Fir, along with a beautiful range of indoor Christmas plants and gift vouchers for the ideal seasonal present.

When to Buy Your Christmas Tree

If you’re planning to keep your tree fresh and festive all season long, timing is everything! For most households, early to mid-December is the ideal time to buy a real Christmas tree. The Nordman fir is a great choice for its needle retention, but it still benefits from proper care to keep it looking its best.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

To choose the perfect Christmas tree we recommedn you: 

  1. Measure Your Space: Ensure the tree height you choose fits comfortably in your room, allowing space for a topper.
  2. Check for Freshness: A fresh tree should have needles that are green, shiny, and flexible. Gently run your fingers along a branch; if needles fall off easily, the tree may not last as long.
  3. Choose the Right Stand: Get a stand that holds plenty of water and supports the tree’s weight and height. Proper support will help keep your tree straight and steady.

Christmas trees Now in Stock at Shadwell & Linton

Nordmann Fir

Nordman fir trees are popular for several reasons:

Soft, Rounded Needles: Perfect for families with young children or pets, the Nordmann Fir has softer, non-prickly needles that are gentle to the touch.

Excellent Needle Retention: Widely considered the number one non-drop Christmas tree, the Nordmann retains its needles exceptionally well, even as it begins to dry out. This helps to keep your home clean and festive throughout the season.

Beautiful, Symmetrical Shape: With its traditional pyramid form, the Nordmann Fir offers a full, balanced appearance. The wider profile makes it ideal when you have space to create a bold Christmas statement.

Strong Branches for Decorations: Firm and robust branches are perfect for supporting both delicate and heavier ornaments, making it a reliable choice for showcasing your decorations.

Available Sizes:

    • Cut Trees: 1.25m – 2.5m

    • Pot Grown Trees: Upto 1.5m in height. Pot-grown Nordman Trees can be transplanted into the garden after Christmas, providing they have been kept watered over the Christmas period whilst inside. 

    • Larger trees (3m and above) available on request

Fraser Fir

Compact, Conical Shape: Slightly narrower than the Nordmann, the Fraser Fir is ideal where space is limited but impact is still desired.

Strong, Upward-Angled Branches: The branches often angle upwards by up to 45 degrees, providing excellent strength and allowing baubles and decorations to sit securely and visibly.

Soft Needles with Silvery Underside: The needles are smooth and flat, tightly spaced and often displaying a subtle silvery or whitish tone underneath—enhancing visual depth under lighting.

Gentle Orangey Fragrance: Known for its light citrus aroma, the Fraser Fir adds a fresh festive scent to your home without being overpowering.

Available Sizes:

  • Cut Trees: Approx. 1.5m – 2.25m

Indoor Christmas Plants

Available now and looking superb:

• Yorkshire-grown Poinsettias (especially strong at Shadwell)

• Indoor Cyclamen, currently in full flower

• Hyacinth bowls, wreaths, winter bedding plants, and shrubs

These are perfect for adding colour to the home or as elegant seasonal gifts.

Caring for Your Christmas Tree

Keeping your Christmas tree fresh and fragrant throughout the season is easier than you might think! Here are a few simple tips to maintain its beauty and longevity:

1. Make a Fresh Cut – Once you bring your tree home, cut about 2cm off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in water. This helps the tree absorb water more effectively and keeps it fresher for longer.

2. Water Daily –  A Christmas tree can drink up to a liter of water a day, so make sure to check the water level daily. Keep the base submerged in water at all times to avoid drying out, as a well-hydrated tree will retain its needles better.

3. Place Away from Heat Sources – Avoid placing your tree near radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight, as this can cause it to dry out faster. A cooler room will help your tree stay fresh longer.

4. Avoid Additives – There’s no need to add sugar, bleach, or other additives to your tree’s water. Clean, plain water is best for keeping it healthy and hydrated.

Decorating Your Christmas Tree

• Use LED Lights: LEDs generate less heat, keeping the tree from drying out too quickly.

• Ornament Placement: Start with larger ornaments closer to the base and smaller ones near the top to create balance.

• Garlands and Ribbons: Wrap garlands and ribbons around the tree for added texture and depth.

Visit Us for Your Christmas Needs

Whether you’re selecting the perfect tree, adding festive touches with seasonal plants, or choosing a thoughtful gift, Riverside Plants is ready to help you celebrate. Visit us at Linton or Shadwell to browse our full Christmas selection.

Opening Hours

Linton
Open until 4:30pm on Monday 23rd December

Shadwell
Open until 12:30pm on Tuesday 24th December

Both sites will re-open on Monday 5th January.

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