Every family’s holiday traditions differ, naturally, and one of the debates people can’t seem to reach an agreement on is when to buy a real Christmas tree. While there isn’t a simple answer to this question, in this post, we will do our best to explain the different circumstances and help you decide when the right time is for you.
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TL;DR
The best time to buy a real Christmas tree is generally the first or second week of December.
Nordmann Fir trees can be bought as early as mid-to-late November due to their excellent needle retention.
Norway Spruce trees should be bought in December, as they shed needles faster than other varieties.
Potted trees should only come indoors one to two weeks before Christmas; buy earlier and keep outside in a sheltered spot.
Most cut trees last around four to six weeks with proper care.
Keep your tree well-watered, cut an inch off the base before placing it in a stand, and keep it away from heat sources.
Real Christmas trees typically go on sale from late November, with pre-ordering available from early November.
When to buy a real Christmas tree?
For most households, the first or second week of December is the ideal time to buy a real Christmas tree. This gives you good selection, enough time to enjoy it through Christmas, and keeps it looking fresh for the full festive period.
Deciding when to buy a real Christmas tree really comes down to how early you like to get into the festive spirit and how long you want your tree to look its best.
If you love having your decorations up right at the start of the season, late November or the first week of December is a great time to pick your tree.
Many people wait until the second week of December for a balance between freshness and choice. And if you want your tree to stay looking perfect through Christmas and into the New Year, choosing one in the third week can work well, though the selection may be a bit more limited by then.
Waiting until the very last minute to buy a Christmas tree will most likely mean that all the good trees are sold out, so don’t put it off for too long. However, if you install your tree too early, chances are that it will look pretty sad by Christmas day. So the key is understanding your tree and striking that perfect balance between keeping it looking great and buying it early enough to be able to get a fresh one.
Not all real Christmas trees behave the same once they’re inside your home. The variety you choose has a big impact on when you should buy it.
Nordmann Fir: You can buy this variety as early as mid to late November. It’s known for its longevity and excellent needle retention, meaning it will still look fresh come Christmas, as long as you provide proper care.
Norway Spruce: It’s recommended to wait until December for this variety, as it won’t last as long as some others. That said, it’s the perfect choice for people who want a more traditional Christmas tree look.
Potted trees: Wait to bring them inside until about a week or two before Christmas, as potted Christmas trees only last about 12 days indoors. You can buy one earlier and keep it outside in a sheltered spot until it’s time to bring it in.
Most cut trees last around four to six weeks, though that figure depends on the variety you choose and how well you care for it once it’s inside.
Again, how long a Christmas tree will last depends on its type, as well as how well you look after it. Most cut trees will last around 4–6 weeks when adequately taken care of. For example, given the right conditions, a Nordmann Fir can last up to 5 weeks.
Proper care makes a real difference, and it starts the moment you bring your tree home.
What to do when you buy a real Christmas tree?
As we mentioned previously, proper real Christmas tree care can keep it looking great longer. So, we offer you some essential tips on how to care for your festive tree.
Provide enough water. You’ll be surprised how much water a cut Christmas tree can drink. So, make sure you top up its water daily, before the liquid in the stand or container drops below the trunk base. It’s also important to keep the water fresh and the water reservoir clean to avoid bacteria growth and mould smell. Cutting about 1 inch off the bottom before you install it will also help the tree absorb more water.
Avoid heat. Keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces, as heat can dry it out and make the needles fall off sooner. Not to mention that it can be a fire hazard, too. Oh, and don’t forget to turn off the tree lights before you go to bed.
Check on your tree regularly. Keep an eye on your tree even after it’s been installed and decorated, to make sure it remains healthy. A nice wood smell and glossy green needles are usually good signs, but it doesn’t hurt to do a quick test, too. Run your hand along the branches gently. If no needles or just a few fall out then everything should be fine.
Real Christmas trees typically go on sale from late November, though you can pre-order yours in early November to ensure you get the perfect tree. Fantastic Services can take care of all your needs, offering you a live Christmas tree delivery and installation service.
With various sizes of the beautiful Nordmann Fir to choose from, as well as pot-grown Norway Spruce trees, there’s an option to suit every household. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and arrange your service to make Christmas that much more enjoyable.
Yes, for Nordmann Fir varieties, mid-to-late November is a perfectly viable purchase window. Their strong needle retention means the tree will remain fresh through Christmas with proper watering and positioning away from heat sources. For Norway Spruce, however, November is too early. This variety sheds needles faster, so buying one that early means it’s likely to look tired well before the big day.
How do I know if a real Christmas tree is fresh when I buy it?
Run your fingers along a branch and pull gently. Fresh needles stay on; heavy shedding at the point of sale is a red flag. The tree should smell of fresh pine, and the trunk base should feel slightly sticky with resin. Avoid any tree that looks dry or has a dull, grey-green colour to its needles. A fresh tree is noticeably heavier than a dry one, too.
Should I put my real Christmas tree in water straight away?
Yes, place your tree in a water-filled stand as soon as you bring it inside. If possible, make a fresh cut of about 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the base immediately before putting it in the stand. The cut end seals over within a few hours if left dry, which reduces the tree’s ability to absorb water. Top up the water daily to keep it drinking well throughout the festive season.
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Timing really does matter when it comes to real Christmas trees, but the right answer is different for everyone. If you want flexibility and the best selection, aim for the first or second week of December. If you’re set on a Nordmann Fir, you can push that window back to late November and still have a great-looking tree on Christmas morning. Just remember that the type of tree, how much water you give it, and where you position it at home all play a part in how long it stays fresh.
Get those basics right and there’s no reason a well-chosen tree can’t look brilliant right through the festive season. For more on keeping your tree in top shape, take a look at the care and disposal guides linked throughout this post.
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