A Christmas tree is the classic centrepiece to any home during the festive season and this winter, Dobbies Garden Centres will have a range of real Christmas trees in store to help you find your perfect match, from £19.99.

All Dobbies’ trees are sustainably grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings.

Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features. This work is done by hand which keeps any impact on surrounding wildlife to a minimum. Dobbies’ customers can be assured they were not cut down from wild forests but instead come from environmentally managed plantations across Scotland.

We spoke with Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, for advice and tips on how to choose the right Christmas tree to complement your home and optimise your space. Whether you are a fan of the traditional, big tree look or fancy something different this year, Dobbies has you covered.

Freshly cut trees
Freshly cut trees are a fantastic option for those who love that real tree smell and a truly authentic Christmas vibe. Not only that, but once the festivities are over, a real tree can be used to create a safe and cosy space for wildlife in your garden to shelter during the winter months.

Remove the branches as close to the main stem as possible and make small piles with them on the soil, under shrubs, trees or hedges. You can also cut your tree’s trunk into sections for a mini log pile that will help create habitat for small animals and bugs.

If you want the look and feel of a big tree but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space, Marcus suggests going for a Slim Nordmann Fir. Grown specifically to have a compact, narrow shape suited to smaller homes while retaining the classic lush foliage, this popular tree adds a touch of elegance to any home during the festive season. The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK because it loses very few needles, meaning your tree will remain green and full, with the right care.

The Premium Nordmann Fir is a Christmas classic and Marcus’s top choice for creating a winter wonderland at home. It can comfortably fill a large space to dramatic effect and will give any room that festive feeling. The full, broad conical shape of a Nordmann Fir makes it easy to spread your baubles, decorations and lights along its branches right into the centre of the tree for an extra magical display. With deep luscious green needles and a height perfect for high ceilings, this picturesque tree can’t be beaten.

Pot Grown Trees

Pot grown trees are great for anyone who wants to give their tree a forever home – they can be transferred to the garden and brought back in the following Christmas, or they can be planted in the garden to become a permanent fixture. Make sure to leave plenty of room around them as they can grow very large!

For a tree which suits a low ceiling, consider a pot grown Nordmann Fir tree. Marcus recommends these smaller trees as they can be more versatile. Perfect for a cottage, flat, balcony or bungalow, they can be dressed in lights and baubles for some festive spirit while saving space. For a more rustic look, they can also be left bare and sat on a table or in the hallway. To get the most out of these, remember to keep their soil damp and keep them cool.

To make the most of a small space, a pot grown Blue Spruce tree will help to create a seasonal atmosphere while saving on room. This tree has unique silvery blue needles, making it a top choice for a cool or jewel-toned Christmas theme. Customise your tree with string lights, small baubles and a star on top. Small trees are versatile, so get creative adding your final touches!

Tree selection top tips
To ensure your Christmas tree is the right size, come equipped with the height, depth and width measurements of the area where you picture your tree at home. Make sure the area has a plug nearby, for your Christmas lights – corners are ideal, as it will keep your tree safe from knocks and bumps.

Bringing a tape measure to the store and double checking the dimensions is a good idea to avoid any disappointment and save you a return trip to the store if you find that your tree is too big or small once you get it home. Dobbies’ team members will also be on hand to help you decide what tree is best suited to your space. Fear not, if your tree is a little too big, you can always trim it to fit the space.

Caring for your real tree
Once you have your cut tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1” off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors, this will help reduce needle drop. Place your tree in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is replenished on a regular basis.

To find out more, visit www.dobbies.com