Choosing A Christmas Tree

The festive period is upon us. We're already talking in terms of how many 'sleeps' left until the big day and before you know it there'll be nothing but Slade on the Radio and The Snowman on TV. This means it's time to start considering the centrepiece to your seasonal decor - the Christmas tree.

First thing to consider is when exactly to bring the tree into your home. There is no set rule on this. It is dependent on your love of Christmas and whether you're eager to embrace the cheer December brings with it, or hold back and only relinquish your home to tinsel and baubles at the last possible moment. Something worth considering is that most trees, if freshly felled and well looked after will last about six weeks. So December the 1st or 24th, it's up to you.

There are a few types of tree you're likely to encounter in your search for the perfect evergreen addition to your temporary grotto. Here's the low down on the three most popular choices.

Norway Spruce
This is a former favourite. Traditionally this is the tree to have, however it has been usurped by the Nordmann Fir. The Norway Spruce is short, with sharp needles. In its colouring it is lighter than other choices. One of the advantages is that despite being sharp the foliage is soft, thus lessening the prickly dangers for kids while hanging decorations. The only real downside is that you need to keep this fellow watered, especially if you're keen for it to hang on to its needles for as long as possible. When it comes to cost, expect to pay around the 25 pounds mark.

Nordmann Fir
The new favourite, the Nordmann Fir, is the tree of choice in Britain due mainly to its refusal to relinquish its needles and gentle, yielding foliage. A classic cone shape with well spaced branches and a lush deep green hue, it is easy to see why the Nordmann is so popular. It's worth noting also that if watered correctly then it'll stay perky well past New Year. And for all these advantages expect to pay a little more, about 40 pounds.

Fraser Fir
Less available than the previous two, the Fraser is a species that will hold on to its needles. It is a healthy dark green in colour, slim and tightly spaced, which makes it ideal if you want it to occupy only a small area. And for the green fingered out there, the Fraser is likely to do far better than other selections if after Christmas you decide to plant it in the garden. 35 pounds should be enough to secure you a good example.

These are the three most popular choices of Christmas tree, but there are others. So if the above don't seem like they're going to hit the mark, you could try seeking out one of these alternatives, all of which can do the trick: Noble Fir, Blue Spruce, Scots Pine, Serbian Spruce.

Hopefully this will give you the basis to go forth and do some sound Christmas tree picking. Once it's in the house it's all about the decoration, fairy or star, fairy or star...