Christmas trees - I need your advice please

[HuevosRancheros]

Last year, for the first time, we had a real Christmas tree :)
It was wonderful

We had a Nordmann fir, and although the needles were falling towards the end, it still looked good, despite going up on the 1st December and staying up til 12th night.

But it didnt have the right smell, according to DH. And I concede that he is right.
For that, I think we need to go for a traditional, old-school Norway spruce. But as I understand it, they will lose their needles quicker.

So, my question is - do you have a "traditional' type christmas tree, and if so, when does it go up, when does it come down and does it keep its leaves (within reason, I expect it to lose some)?

I love putting the tree up as soon as possible, and am loathe to compromise on that. But I don't want a nice-smelling tree that looks rubbish two weeks before christmas!

Thank you [santa]

[FlopIsMyParentingGuru]

We've always stuck with Nordman because I can't face dealing with a house of needles and I think they've got a good spread of branches for hanging decorations on. Over time it's because the smell of our Christmases.

[EvansOvalPiesYumYum]

We always have a Nordman and put it up between one and two weeks before Christmas, watering it regularly.

When DP and I had our first flat together, we got the usual spruce and I put it up at the end of November (because I was so excited). By the time Christmas day arrived, there was not a single needle left on it . Every time it was touched for the whole of December, you just heard this shimmery sound of all the needles falling to the floor.

[EvansOvalPiesYumYum]

I like the Nordmans, because they're nice and bushy, and as Flop says, make a nice backdrop for lots of decorations. I hide lots of things among the branches, so it provides lots of interest for little visitors peering at it.

[MrsMolesworth]

Nordman fir with pine essence sprinkled on it. No shame.

[attheendoftheday]

I get a traditional Norway spruce, normally put it up a couple of weeks before xmas, and it's OK for Christmas day, but pretty bare by new year.

[Lottie1972]

I've just been emailed by the company who sent me my tree last year. They sold me a scotch pine which smelled "piney" all through to Christmas and hardly dropped any needles at all. Not next to the radiator mind you. They deliver too!
//Www.christmastrees4you.co.uk

[CremeBrulee]

Blimey at those prices, I'll stick to our tradition of the past 3 years where we buy our tree from B&Q on Xmas eve. Last year we got 2 trees, one for inside and one outside for the princely sum of 2p!

The DC love decorating the tree on Xmas eve and were not sick of the sight of it by New Year like we used to be when we bought one in early December.

[HuevosRancheros]

I think pine essence may be the way to go!

The scotch pine looks good Lottie, but last year we went to a plantation where you tag your chosen tree and then they cut it when you're ready for it - and they don't do scotch pines

The 2p last minute bargain might be an idea for us for a second tree, creme, but I need a tree up early December

[DrasticAction]

i agree op its a tough dilema, I also love the lush green a good old norway gives....but aside from needle drop etc I just find the brances too weak...they bow too much under my decs...

( i also have a pine spray)

[girlywhirly]

The thing with real trees is that you need to treat them like cut flowers. They need watering, they don't last if you don't care for them. Even a rooted tree will drop a few needles if it's in a hot house.

My advice would be to put up an artificial one as a stopgap until you get the real tree.

[mintbiscuit]

Norway spruces always disappoint me. I've ordered a fraser fir this year. Never had one before. Apparently they have a nice scent but more importantly the needles don't drop. Hopefully should be here end of Nov and I'm already getting giddy and excited! I love decorating the tree!

[HuevosRancheros]

Ooh mint our place does Fraser firs, I shall give them a look and a sniff when we go tagging :)