A Christmas tree will more often than not form the centrepiece of a scheme during the festive season and may even set the decorative tone for the rest of the home. Choosing the perfect tree can therefore be a quandary. Should it be real or faux? Large or small? Bought or rented? Here experts share their advice on combining practicality with decorative appeal.
The real deal
At this time of year, there is no shortage of freshly cut Christmas trees, and paying attention to a tree’s ethical and sustainable production is key to a successful purchase.
The first step is to ensure that a tree’s growing journey is traceable from start to finish. Sourcing locally ensures a low carbon footprint because trees will be home-grown rather than imported. The) offers a list of growers, searchable by region or postcode, who raise the best quality spruces in sustainable plantations. “Buying in this way will help reduce transportation impact while ensuring that you source a tree grown with a high level of skill, expertise and attention,” says Jenny Letts of Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees. “It’s also a great way of supporting local business.”
