You’ve been putting your Christmas tree in the wrong spot! Horticulturalists reveal where your fir should go to make sure it lasts throughout December

By James On Dec 2, 2023

Christmas is less than a month away – and while some avid holiday enthusiasts may have already put up their trees, others will be kicking off the month of December by decorating their fir trees this weekend.

We all have our traditions when it comes to how and where to put festive decor – but is that actually the best place for it?

And are there corners of the house that we should avoid for practical and aesthetic reasons?

Experts in Britain and Ireland have revealed that everything from windows to heating sources affects prime real estate for your tree, especially if you go for a natural tree.

Here, FEMAIL has collected the best tips and tricks from professionals – including advice on what is the best room in the house and how to make your pine work in a smaller space.

Christmas is officially less than a month away – and while some may already have their trees up, others will be kicking off the month of December by decorating their fir trees this weekend. Stock image used

STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS

While it may be tempting to place your tree in your window and show off your festive pride and glory to everyone, experts warn that too much direct sunlight can 'dry out' the tree.

Speaking with the Irish mirrorEmily Simmons, creative director at Ruggable, said you shouldn't leave your pine tree in too much sun, as this is not only bad for the fir but also “blocks natural light into your room.”

She added: 'I would always recommend placing your real Christmas tree to the side of the window, or closer to a window that is not south-facing.

'This way your tree still gets the light it needs, without getting too much direct sunlight. The natural light will also be able to dazzle your tree decorations, adding to the festive feeling in your home!'

AVOID HEATING SOURCES

Experts say that making sure your Christmas tree is in a cool spot will make it happier overall – no matter how idyllic it looks in front of a cozy fireplace.

'The Christmas tree should be central, but avoid placing it near a heat source such as radiators and fireplaces,' explains John Lawless of heating specialist BestHeating.

'If your house has underfloor heating, try turning off the heating in the room where your tree is located.

'If you can't avoid a hot spot, make sure the stand or box is constantly refilled with water. A Christmas tree uses two liters of water per day.'

And temperature isn't just an important consideration when it comes to the home.

The best Christmas trees to put up early

For those looking to get into the festive spirit early, Petar Ivanov from Fantastic Services reveals that before picking your Christmas tree, you should consider the type of tree as some can dry out and drop the pine more quickly than others.

“You can expect a Christmas tree to last about three to four weeks, or even longer in some cases,” he said.

'The key is to start with a fresh tree and maintain its hydration throughout the time indoors. With proper care it can last up to five weeks or longer. If you want to decorate early, I recommend opting for a Fraser Fir or Douglas Fir as these are known for retaining their needles better than other varieties such as Scotch Pine.

'When choosing a tree, always check it before purchasing and choose one with vibrant, flexible needles firmly attached to the branches, as a healthy tree is likely to last longer to begin with.

'Find one with the fewest brown needles and that is in a shady spot. It is generally recommended not to pick these in sunny displays.'

Deemer Cass – horticulturist and Christmas tree expert from Fantastic Gardeners – added: 'In terms of water temperature, Christmas trees, like most other plants, prefer cold.'

Cass added, “There's no such thing as overwatering unless you fill the stand every hour.”

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANGLES

If you have a smaller space, corners are your best friend. That way the tree is tucked away and doesn't get knocked over.

However, Deemer also said precautions need to be taken here.

“If you've opted for a potted Christmas tree, place it in a cool corner of your home with plenty of natural sunlight,” he explained.

'Make sure the tree is also away from heat sources.

'Another important tip for potted Christmas trees is that you should not leave them indoors for more than twelve days at a time, as they will then slowly die.

“Move your tree outside every 10-12 days for approximately 24-30 hours.”

KEEP THE ROOM MOIST

If you have opted for a real Christmas tree, it is important to ensure that the conditions in the room allow it to thrive.

This not only means watering the plant, but also making sure the atmosphere is suitable for it.

'The ideal humidity level in your home in winter is between 45% and 50% and is also the perfect moisture level your Christmas tree needs,' John said.

'If the air is too dry, the tree will wither. In that case, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ensure your Christmas tree stays alive and fresh until the end of the holiday season.'

GO OUTSIDE THE LIVING ROOM

The living room is a classic location for the threesome, as it is perfect for bringing the whole family together.

But talk to Life etc Last year, interior design expert Sarah Bowen warned that while it's certainly a good option, don't be afraid to research the best place to put your tree.

“A large hall can be an excellent location for your Christmas tree, especially if it has a double height or vaulted ceiling,” she suggested.

'This way you can pick a taller tree that will stand out as soon as people enter your house.'

This is useful when considering both real and artificial trees.

She also added that if you're attached to the living room, it might even be worth having two trees and going “all out” during the holidays.