Time to kick start that gym membership, make resolutions we laugh at in days. Sort the recycling and push go on those flights for spring, as they are only likely to get more expensive.
We wanted to reflect on the short-lived but passionate relationship you have had with the tree in the corner of the living room, or stairwell or man cave. The giver of light, the centrepiece of family life and the temporary storage facility for presents. That has most likely now departed, leaving only a gaping hole and stain on the carpet.
Plastic, real, potted or chopped. The humble Christmas tree takes centre stage in our homes, spreading cheer and festive vibes and choicely placed needles in our house. Nordman Fir, Spruce, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir, (you better have a big house for this one), whatever your choice, it appears that ‘au natural is back’. That’s the tree, not the decorations!
I understand gaudy is in this year but that’s a different kettle of fish.
According to a 2024 survey by the real Christmas tree board, 20% of people are buying a real tree for the first time this year. And loving it, with 84% of respondents of first-time, real-tree buyers who switched last year, saying they wished they’d done so sooner.
A huge majority say it’s worth the price (83%) and that the scent brings them joy (94%). Data doesn’t lie. Plus, it’s easy to see why so many people are happy with real trees when you consider the other benefits to going for real over fake. Says ‘Real Christmas Tree Board’… (naturally.)
The scent, for one thing. According to the same survey, the scent of a real Christmas tree actually creates joy, 94% of those planning to buy a real tree agree.
“The scent of a real Christmas tree will bring me joy this season.”
“I believe the scent of a real Christmas tree brings joy to others.”
As advocates of real trees, we learnt that one of the most famous trees in the country is not found in a living room – but instead, stands proudly in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
Each year Norway sends over a stunning Spruce as an annual thank you gift in appreciation of Britain’s support during World War II. This yearly tradition has been ongoing since 1947, with the tree acting as a festive symbol of friendship and gratitude. Standing at roughly 20 meters tall, this Spruce is chosen years in advance and cared for with gusto and verve.
Speaking of tall trees, did you know that, left to their own devices, Spruces, Firs and Pines can easily reach heights of 20-60 meters or more. Some species – like the Douglas Fir, can stand at a colossal 67 meters. Told you they were biggies.
Most Christmas trees however are harvested around 7-10 years old which gives them plenty of time to grow into the perfect festive shape and when cared for properly, a freshly cut tree can last around 4-6 weeks indoors, which is just long enough to keep the festive spirit alive. Well saying this, 4-6 days can be the average life before needles drop, if bought from a garage forecourt or if granny likes it near-tropical in the living room .
As it takes 7-10 years for a 6-7 ft. tree, is this truly sustainable? Why do we plonk a green smelly bush in the corner of the living room? The history of Christmas trees has many roots, sprawling from the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome to the German traditions of candlelit trees that made their way to America in the 1800s.
Discover the history of the Christmas tree, from the earliest winter solstice celebrations to Queen Victoria’s decorating habits published in the newspaper.
Other than simply looking pretty, they’re also extremely good for the environment, doing their bit out there in the wild. Whilst they’re growing, they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and act as homes for all sorts of wildlife to stay warm over winter – whether that’s birds, insects or even small mammals.
That household Christmas cheer has most likely just ended when you read this. Taking down the tree, (throw it out on to the patio for the elves to clear away), clearing up the needles and packing away the decorations. Usually some charitable chap charges a fiver a tree to dispose of it. However, in theory they can then be turned into wood chippings or mulch – often used in parks and gardens, giving your lovely tree an eco-friendly secondary purpose if you prefer.
For those more resourceful of us, some trees even find new homes in nature as branches can be used to create habitats for wildlife, sunk into rivers and lakes to make shelters for fish and even in the Nordics, they’re chipped and burned to generate biomass energy.
No we do not work for the Real Christmas Tree Board… but we do believe in magic and joy, it appears. So be kind to your trees, and give them the charitable send-off they deserve. We also look forward to hearing about those gains in the gym.
Anon. Alwyn, Ali, Oli, Theo and Myself.
Happy New year. www.hayneshorticulture.co.uk