The ultimate guide to choosing and caring for your Christmas tree from Forestry England

20 November 2025

The ultimate guide to choosing and caring for your Christmas tree from Forestry England

For many, picking a real Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the festive season. With celebrations starting earlier than ever, it’s important to choose a tree that will stay fresh. A recent poll* revealed that over half (51%) of Forestry England followers like to put their tree up as soon as December begins, while a further 21% prefer to start the festivities early in November.

So, how do you make sure your tree looks perfect and lasts throughout the holidays?

Forestry England’s ultimate Christmas tree guide has you covered. It’s packed with expert tips on selecting the freshest tree, caring for it so it stays beautiful, and creative, sustainable decoration ideas the whole family can enjoy.

With nine Christmas tree sales centres opening across the country, Forestry England provides the perfect setting for a festive day out. These centres offer high-quality, UK-grown real Christmas trees, alongside a range of affordable Christmas activities for the whole family to enjoy. The nation’s forests also provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge during the busy holiday season.

Forestry England’s ultimate guide to choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

How to pick your Christmas tree

Forestry England sell high-quality, home-grown Christmas trees in nine of the nation’s forests. Plus all Norway spruce trees are Grown in Britain and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. 

Find your nearest location here.

If you can’t get to one of Forestry England’s locations, Richard Cooper, Forestry England’s expert who selects the Christmas tree for Westminster each year, recommends a few simple checks to help you choose the freshest, healthiest Christmas tree. One that will last throughout the festive season.

Richard Cooper, Forestry England, forester says:

“Choosing a fresh Christmas tree is easy with a few quick checks. First, gently pull a branch towards you, if lots of needles fall off, the tree might not last through the season. Then, give a few needles a squeeze in your hand, a fresh tree will smell lovely and strong. Finally, bounce the tree lightly on the ground. A few needles dropping is normal, but if it sheds a lot with just a small shake, it’s best to pick another one. These simple tips will help you find a tree that stays beautiful right through Christmas!"

How to care for your tree

To keep your real Christmas tree looking and smelling fresh throughout Christmas it is important to look after it.

Here is Forestry England’s step-by-step guide to making your tree last longer.

Give your trunk a trim

Once you get your tree home, saw off just over a centimetre (or half an inch) off the trunk to get rid of any hardened sap and then put it straight into water. This helps the tree to absorb lots of water and stay fresh and green throughout your festivities.

Not too hot

Your tree’s natural habitat at this time of year is out in the cold air. Minimize the shock of your tree’s new home and keep it happy by putting it a good distance from radiators and other heat sources. 

Keep your tree watered

Choose a sturdy stand that can hold a good amount of water. Your Christmas tree needs to be kept in water all the time, so finding a base with a good well that you can easily top up is important.

Check your tree’s water daily, you'll be surprised just how thirsty they can be! Make sure the trunk is nicely submerged for happy and healthy needles.

Leave out the gimmicks

You might have heard that cola or corn syrup in the base helps to keep your tree alive or been offered special tree food at the garden centre.

Don’t fall for it! Your beautiful tree just wants a constant supply of fresh water; it's that simple. 

Accessorise 

For many, unboxing and dusting off Christmas tree decorations marks the start of the holiday season. If you find you need extra decorations to spruce up your spruce, why not get crafty with your family? Here are some lovely ideas from Forestry England’s free activity sheets for sustainable Christmas tree decorations:

Decorative festive pine cones 

Decorate pine cones to create a mini Christmas tree, or paint a pine cone robin to get in the festive spirit.

Create a twig star 

Ditch your plastic tree topper in favour of a lovely handmade stick star. Arrange five twigs in a star shape and tie them together at each point using twine or string. Wrap the twine tightly to secure it. A perfect ornament for your family Christmas tree.

Scented orange tree slice decorations 

Add a traditional feel to your tree with these easy-to-make decorations. Simply slice an orange, decorate with cloves and pop in the oven at the lowest setting for around an hour.

Salt dough decorations 

Salt dough is simple and fun to make. Roll it out and use festive biscuit cutters to shape your decorations. Remember to make a hole at the top for hanging it. Bake at the lowest setting for about 3 hours or until solid. Once cool, decorate with paint or felt-tip pens. Finish with a ribbon loop and hang on your tree.

Get a free activity pack here for more Christmas crafting fun.

Support the nation’s forests

We know our climate is in crisis and that trees, woods and forests are vital for our environment and our own health and wellbeing. Buying your real Christmas tree from Forestry England helps to look after the nation’s forests and also boosts your wellbeing with a magical day out. 

And if you love spending time in the forest all year round, why not join Forestry England as a member? Household membership starts from just £8 a month, giving you unlimited access to beautiful forests and helping to care for these special places.

To find your nearest sales centre and find more information on events across England visit www.forestryengland.uk/christmas