Best 'real' tree

[fatsatsuma]

We always get a living rooted tree in a pot, which we then re-plant afterwards. DH is very green, whereas I'm after the pine-needles smell of my childhood Christmases...

There are so many different types of tree eg. Nordman, at a huge range of prices. If you usually get a real tree, which kind do you go for and why?

I've never really managed to recreate that Christmas tree smell, but maybe that's because we can't bring ourselves to spend £££ on a tree. Which do you reckon smell the best, and is it worth spending the extra on a top-of=the-range tree?

[ChippingIn]

I look forward to the replies - I have no idea in the UK and really want one that smells like a christmas tree!

[fatsatsuma]

Wondering if anyone's around with any ideas? Or does no one get a real tree these days?

[girlywhirly]

I don't think Nordmann have much scent. I think if you get a living Norway spruce and look after it, it will smell lovely and not drop much, keep it watered and situate away from direct heat sources. I don't know much about the other types, from personal experience, as have only had Norway spruce, and now have gone artificial by choice.

[taffetazatyousantaclaus]

We always get a Nordmann fir as:

• we want a biiiiig one with a bushy habit
  
• I can;t stand the needles everywhere, and Nordmanns don't drop much
  

I get the Christmas smell with candles, room spray, clove studded oranges and plug ins.

[fatsatsuma]

Thanks for these posts. So the advantage of a Nordmann is fewer needles dropping, but sounds like they don't have the smell I'm after. Norway spruce sounds like it might be worth a look tho'.

[CherryTheRedNosedMonster]

the norway spruce is supposed to be the best for smell.

[PlanetEarth]

Never had a rooted one, but we always go for Fraser Fir. They smell wonderful! Also, the needles are quite soft, they don't drop badly, and they are very full and bushy rather than scrawny looking.

In fact, my only complaint is that sometimes they look a bit too perfect , like an artificial tree instead of the usual crooked, gappy real tree.

[fatsatsuma]

Fraser Fir sounds interesting. Are they expensive?

[KeepCalmAndHaveAnotherMincePie]

We always go for a fraser fir too. I like the shape - it's not too wide at the bottom. We got a 6ft one from Homebase at the weekend for £24.99. I've paid double that in the garden centre before now.

[PlanetEarth]

Maybe I should try Homebase! I didn't know they did them. We usually pay about £40 for that size.

[fatsatsuma]

Yes, I will be ringing our local Homebase too! Thanks KeepCalm.

[kellykateneedsaholiday]

We've got a fraser fir tree too. I paid £30 fpr a 7 ft one from local country park, it has quite a strong christmas tree smell too.
This is the first time we've had a real tree and I love it.

[kellykateneedsaholiday]

Oh forgot to say we looked at the Nordman trees but dont have enough space for one, living room isnt very big

[wfrances]

mines a fraser fir potted ,soft needles,lovely smell.
pity its in the porch as dp is allergic to xmas trees.

[ChippingIn]

Fraser Fir sounds like the way to go then?!

I was at a garden centre yesterday and I was so shocked at the prices... will have to go to Homebase this weekend I think!

[KeepCalmAndHaveAnotherMincePie]