Scottish Christmas Trees

The Norway Spruce is considered by many to be the traditional Christmas tree.  Over the years, people have purchased this as a cut tree which, once Christmas has been and gone, needed to be disposed of. This has raised a number of issues over the years, and some councils have either arranged special Christmas tree pickups, or worse, banned Christmas trees from rubbish collection points. There is a solution – buying your Norway Spruce Christmas tree in a pot.

A Christmas tree in a pot is no different to any other potted plant. It is alive, and with the right treatment, will continue to live for many years to come. In fact, you could consider the purchase of a potted Christmas tree an investment since you won’t need to buy another tree for four or more years (depending on the size you buy to begin with). As a live potted plant, you will need to repot after Christmas, and to continue to water and feed it throughout the year. You can even give it a light pruning to build your desired shape.

The Norway Spruce can be a high needle drop Christmas tree, but only if you allow it to dry out, or if you place to close to a high heat source. Keep the tree cool and moist, and the needle drop is very low. The Norway Spruce can also be a little prickly, so care and supervision is important when allowing young children to decorate these trees. However, you will find that these make excellent Christmas trees, and that children and adults soon become accustomed to their slightly prickly nature – it will help to keep the youngsters away from the decorations and lights.

You can purchase a Norway Spruce potted Christmas tree in six sizes ranging from 70cm-90cm (2ft4ins-2ft11ins) to the largest 170cms-190cms ( 5ft8ins-6ft 4ins).  With the smaller trees starting at less than £30.00, it represents a great investment for future Christmases. If you haven’t ordered a Christmas tree yet, check out the potted Norway Spruce Christmas tree, then place an order early, before we run out.

There is a trend for people to downsize their accommodation these days, often living in small one or two bedroom flats, bed-sitters and even boarding houses. While space may be limited, that doesn’t mean you cannot have a traditional Christmas, and that includes a traditional Christmas tree. You just need to think a little outside the square.

If you are in a flat, especially two or three floors up, then having a cut Christmas tree could prove to be awkward. We can arrange delivery to your door, that’s not a problem. However, how are you going to remove the tree after Christmas? More importantly, if you don’t have a lot of space, where are you going to place it? The same question could be asked of anyone who is living in a small space.

We said to think outside the square. There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree that has been decorated. The perfume alone that comes from a Christmas tree provides a warm and cozy Christmas feeling the moment you walk through the door. You don’t have to have a large cut Christmas tree – instead, go for a smaller pot grown Christmas tree.  You can select between the Norway Spruce Christmas tree and the Fraser Fir Christmas tree. They are both alive and well, and with nurturing, will continue to live for years to come – and they can be brought back in each Christmas, the ultimate in reusing.

Christmas is a special time of year, no matter where you live. Live potted Christmas trees come in a range of sizes so you can select the one that is best suited to your available space. You can still dress them up with Christmas lights and baubles, and you can still arrange the traditional Christmas presents around the base. There is one down side to buying a potted Christmas tree – we have limited stock and they are very popular, so you need to order as early as possible.

Where do you buy your Christmas trees? I know there are many people who buy theirs from roadside sellers. Unfortunately, some of these sellers are unscrupulous having raided protected forests, or farms like ours, to collect their stock. There are many Christmas tree sellers who do the right thing. Their stock comes from legitimate sources, and the quality of their trees are good. Poor quality trees will sell for lower prices and when it comes to Christmas trees, the old saying “you get what you pay for” really does ring true.

We sell the majority of our Christmas trees online now. There are huge benefits for the customer, and benefits for us as well. For the customer, we keep the Christmas tree growing in the ground until the time for delivery arrives. We then cut the tree fresh, bag it for easy transport and protection, then send it off as soon as possible. When you receive your tree, you know it’s going to be fresh. Not only that, you can tell us when you want your tree, so we hold back until that delivery date approaches.

Because we deal with most sales online, there are reduced costs to us. This reduction in costs means we can sell our trees a little cheaper than if we had to sell through a retail environment. Those cost savings to you make it easier to buy decorations (which we supply as well) – or Christmas goodies for the rest of the family.

Is it safe to buy a Christmas tree online? We suggest you check the bona-fides of an online seller first, particularly their checkout security. Our checkout security is top quality and we are totally transparent when it comes to checking our bona-fides. Having been one of the top sellers of Christmas trees for many years, we have developed a good reputation for both quality trees and transaction security.

The biggest benefit to buying online is peace of mind. You can spend as long as you like going through our catalogue. Once you find a Christmas tree that is to your liking, you can either order online, or for greater peace of mind, call us to complete your order. We are also available for any advice when it comes to selecting your Christmas tree, and any of the decorations required. You can be assured of a safe transaction, and a top quality Christmas tree this year – just by shopping at Scottish Christmas Trees.

Organizing when you are going to have a fresh cut Christmas tree delivered is important if you want to ensure your tree lasts until Christmas Day. If your tree arrives and you are not prepared, the tree may suffer and start to wilt, and that is when you see the biggest needle drop. Once your Christmas tree arrives, you need to ensure it is well cared for in order to get the most from it.

Christmas trees are like large cut flowers. In fact, they require similar treatment to cut flowers. If you place the base of the tree in a container of fresh water, your tree will effectively ‘drink’ that water thus keeping the needles hydrated and looking fresh.  This helps to reduce the amount of needle drop and your Christmas tree will look great for many weeks.

Preparation is then the key. Do you have a suitable container to stand your Christmas tree in? If not, you should perhaps checkout the range of Christmas tree stands that we have on offer. These stands have a water well that needs topping up each day to keep your tree hydrated – at the same time, they add to the overall effect of your Christmas tree.

If you are going away for a few days before Christmas, either organize to have your Christmas tree delivered after you return or be sure there is plenty of water in the well to last the period you’re going to be away. For those who like to receive their Christmas trees early, a potted Christmas tree may be more suitable. They will happily sit outside until you’re ready to take them in – just treat them like any normal potted plant.

Arranging to have your Christmas tree delivered is important. Time it for when you are ready to look after it and you’ll have a tree that lasts for weeks and looks great – all you need to do then is add your Christmas lights and decorations – and that’s the fun part. By the way – order your Christmas tree, stand and decorations together, and if your order is over  £100, we’ll deliver for free anywhere in the UK – and yes, we try to arrange delivery for requested dates, just ask.

Christmas trees come in a range of types and sizes and while they all look great, each brings its own character, habits, and requirements. Many people have grown up with the Norway Spruce as their Christmas tree – this is the tree that many artificial trees are based on, and the one that dominates most images of Christmas. The Nordman Fir has become the most popular tree in recent years while the Fraser Fir has been favoured by those who want something special. If you look at each of these trees, they have different looks, different requirements, and produce different results – which is your favourite?

Norway Spruce Christmas Tree – the traditional Christmas tree. This tree is the least friendly of the three having relatively sharp needles. The Norway Spruce won’t tolerate heat so this tree is best placed either outside or in a corner where it is cool. If the tree gets too warm, it will quickly drop needles. It does, however, look great when fully decorated. If you don’t mind an outside Christmas tree decorated with outside Christmas lights, then this tree is perfect.

Nordman Fir Christmas Tree – the most popular tree currently sold, this tree is quite broad at the base so it does need some space. The Nordman Fir has a much better needle retention rate compared to the Norway Spruce, and will tolerate warmer homes. This is very much a family favourite since the needles are not so sharp and the tree is easier for children to decorate.

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree – often the forgotten cousin in the Christmas tree family. The Fraser Fir has a good conical shape and is less broad at the base when compared to the other two trees. The Fraser Fir will fill your home with a gentle perfume, bringing the spirit of Christmas to every room. The Fraser Fir is a low needle drop tree that is very family friendly. Once you have fully decorated a Fraser Fir, you’ll probably never go back to either of the other two – the shape and size just add to the WOW factor produced by your decorations.

Everyone has their own opinion of which Christmas tree they prefer. What is important is to get one that is suitable for the family, and if you have little children, then, for example, the Norway Spruce may not be the best choice. If you only have a narrow space to place your Christmas tree, then the Fraser Fir is possibly the best solution. Christmas trees are an integral part of a traditional Christmas – get the right one and you’ll find that your tree will add that little bit of magic to the Christmas season. One word of advice – once you have selected your favourite tree, be sure to order a Christmas Tree as early as possible. That way you won’t be disappointed this Christmas – we do sell out quickly.

A question that is often raised when it comes to Christmas lights is whether coloured lights are better than the white lights. The answer is invariably the same, what do you prefer? Each set of lights does change the personality of a Christmas tree, and that does need to be taken into account.

Coloured Christmas tree lights tend to draw the eye to lights themselves. Having glittery objects on the tree such as baubles and tinsel often enhances the colour of Christmas lights, more so when colours bounce off each other. Children tend to prefer coloured lights and they do tend to add a little magic to a tree.

White, or the soft cream style lights, have a different effect. These lights tend to enhance the decorations that are already on a Christmas tree. Where coloured lights bounce different colours around the baubles, white lights add a glimmer to baubles and other decorations. The feature on the tree becomes those decorations and not the lights. Christmas trees with white lights tend to look either more formal, or more homely; again, it depends on the environment and your perception.

Which light is best for you? Do you want glittery with the lights the centre of focus, or do you prefer to have the decorations stand out more? You should buy the lights that best suit your Christmas mood, however, if you have children around, then keeping the Christmas tree fun and friendly often means getting the coloured lights. We all have different preferences. Do you have a preference for the kind of lights you have on your Christmas tree? Have you even ordered a Christmas tree yet? Time is running out.

So, we promised they would come and here they are – some visual references to key tree decorating trends for 2011.  Number 2 to follow.

1. Traditional

Comforting to know that good old traditional colours reds, golds and greens won’t be sneared at this year for being old fashioned, but will see a strong position for 2011 fitting the market wide trend for ‘comfort’, ‘traditional’, ‘home sweet home’, ‘log fires’, ‘natural materials, cosey and warming’ – see it spread  across the catwalk and into homewares. And then, of course, into the Christmas home.  We are thinking mixing reds and golds, different shaped baubles with greens. Glitter, frosted and tear drop shaped  to give a variety of shapes and textures - use  ribbon in the same colours and tie bows onto the end  some branches. To keep in this style, go for cream lights to give a soft glow and a really traditional ambience to the room.

Scottish Christmas Trees Green Baubles close up

Red and Gold Christmas Tree Decorations

Christmas wreaths have many uses. Often used to adorn the front doors of many homes, they also make great Christmas gifts for fellow workers when you’re stuck for suggestions. I have even seen them hanging from the front or rear of cars as they drive around town. While plastic wreaths are often cheap, they can also look that way. There’s really nothing that comes close to the beauty and style of a handmade Christmas wreath that made using items produced by nature.

At Scottish Christmas Trees, we hand make our Christmas wreaths to order using fresh foliage and a combination of berries, pine cones, dried fruit and seed heads. We even produce a plain wreath that you can decorate to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for that really special Christmas wreath, then I suggest you consider our Traditional Wreath. This is made using attractive seed heads, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, and pretty little pumpkinos, and is finished with a stunning organza ribbon.

Last season’s most popular wreath was the Chic Wreath. This wreath is hand decorated with silver and purple decorations and finished with a lavish purple ribbon. It was so popular we ran out of stock well before Christmas.  Which wreath will be this festive season’s most popular? We’ll have to wait and see, we may even release a new one for this year so keep your eyes open for any news on that.

Because we use real produce and not plastic or imitation, Christmas wreaths can only be delivered after the 21st of November. We make our wreaths to order so you will need to have your order in to us as early as possible, otherwise you may be disappointed. We ran out of all wreath stock early last year, with the Chic Christmas Wreath running out very early.

If you wish to give your wreath as a present, let us know and we’ll be happy to deliver to them including a card with a personal message from you. Christmas wreaths make an entry welcoming at Christmas, especially if they are hand made using natural products – they sure beat those plastics wreaths every time.

One of the biggest problems people encounter when considering a Christmas tree is deciding on size – and yes, size does matter. Invariably, people opt for a Christmas tree that is a little too big for their needs. Now that’s okay if you’re handy with a saw. You can just lop a foot or two from the bottom to reduce the size. Unfortunately, you can’t add a foot or two if you decide the Christmas tree is too small.

The best approach is a rather simple one – measure the space between the floor and ceiling. You don’t want a Christmas tree that touches the ceiling, and you have to take into account how you are going to decorate that tree. Do you have a sturdy ladder or are you going to use a chair to reach the high points? A Christmas tree looks good when there’s a foot or two between the tip of the tree and the ceiling. You will need another six inches or so if you intend using a Christmas tree stand – more if you decide to use a bucket of sand or similar.

Once you know the size of the space for a Christmas tree, you can check out which trees are best suited. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, if you’re handy with a saw, then you can trim a little off the bottom if you order a tree that is slightly too large. For those looking for even smaller Christmas tree, you may find that a potted tree better suits your needs.

Christmas trees are often the focal point at Christmas. We get together to decorate them, we scatter Christmas presents under them. Don’t be disappointed because you have ordered the wrong size – measure first. Worse still, don’t be disappointed because you completely forgot to order a Christmas tree.

We all love Christmas Trees and over the past five years there has been a notable trend with more people electing to buy real trees each year. However, when considering a real Christmas Tree, think about what you are going to do with it, where it is going to be placed, and how you intend supporting your tree. Like cut flowers, cut Christmas Trees require water to maintain their freshness, and to prevent drying out. The major reason for needle drop in Christmas Trees is dehydration, so they need a supply of water at all times.

Christmas Trees need some form of solid support at the base. These supports help to keep the tree standing in an upright position. Some people opt for a bucket of water with a few bricks to provide the weight and the support. Others take the bucket of wet sand approach. Both can certainly help to keep the Christmas Tree supported and hydrated, however, they can look an eyesore. Besides, having gone to the trouble of buying a fresh live Christmas Tree, surely it deserves a decent stand to display it in all its glory.

There are special stands that have been created to specifically hold a Christmas Tree. These Christmas Tree stands carry seasonal designs and colours, have water wells to help keep the tree hydrated, and steel bracket to hold the tree firmly in place. With prices starting at £19.95, they also represent good value, more so since they can be reused year after year.

The Cinco 7 Christmas Tree Stand is one of the most popular. It can easily hold a tree up to 7 feet in height, and with a water well of over six pints, your Christmas Tree will be well looked after. Christmas Tree stands are an essential addition to any Christmas Tree – get the right one and you’ll have a great Christmas.