Before the tree arrives
Choose its position before delivery. Leave a clear route from the entrance, check the available floor space and have a correctly sized stand ready.
Read the full adviceTHE TREES NOTEBOOK · EST. 1993
A beautiful tree, all season.
A practical Christmas tree checklist covering arrival, placement, watering, stands and planning your December display.
By Ma Petite Fleur · Updated 30 September 2026Family floristry roots in Sunflower, London N4.
THE SHORT VERSION
Start with these useful points
The first day and your daily check
For a fresh-cut tree, refresh the base by about 2.5 cm and put it in a stand that holds water.
Read the full adviceDecorate around the shape you have
Let the natural outline guide you. Spread decorations across the tree instead of concentrating them on the front, and place heavier ornaments only where the branch supports them securely.
Read the full adviceBefore the tree arrives
Choose its position before delivery. Leave a clear route from the entrance, check the available floor space and have a correctly sized stand ready. Keep access to the reservoir so that watering remains easy after the decorations are on.
Decide where cables will run and leave doorways clear. A tree looks best when it has breathing room; it should not need to be squeezed between furniture.
The first day and your daily check
For a fresh-cut tree, refresh the base by about 2.5 cm and put it in a stand that holds water. Keep the reservoir topped up and check daily. Position the tree away from radiators and fires. These simple steps support freshness but cannot guarantee a fixed display life.
Care reference: Royal Horticultural Society. Follow the instructions supplied with your tree and stand.
Decorate around the shape you have
Let the natural outline guide you. Spread decorations across the tree instead of concentrating them on the front, and place heavier ornaments only where the branch supports them securely. Leave the reservoir accessible beneath your skirt or finishing fabric.
A small palette is easy to balance: burgundy and gold for warmth, ivory and champagne for softness, or a restrained selection of sentimental ornaments. Begin with the bare tree and add only the extras you want.
When the season ends
Remove all decorations, lights and fixings before disposing of a fresh tree. Check your London borough’s current collection or recycling instructions; dates and accepted drop-off points vary. A cut tree has no roots and cannot be replanted.
Clean and dry the stand before putting it away. Note the height and stand size that worked for your room so next year’s choice is easier.
WATCH & LEARN
See the care in practice
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VIDEO · West Virginia University Extension
Choosing and caring for a fresh Christmas tree
Dave McGill of WVU Extension explains fresh-tree selection and care. This US demonstration complements the UK species and buying advice in this guide.
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