AIBU to get my tree replaced?

[GlomOfNit]

I'm really sad-faced about it. To be fair, this is the most First World of problems, but we like a real tree and we've never had one this dry and sheddy before. It's a Nordman Fir, so allegedly non-droppy, and we've had one of those every year since DH and I got together. We got it from THE local place to get a Christmas tree, wanting to splash out a bit (they grow their own on the farm right there, and they're well-known nationally for supplying various institutions, including 10 Downing Street on occasion. So basically a trusted and renowned supplier). We've had trees from there sometimes before and they've always been fine. I'd rather buy from somewhere that grows and cuts their own, because you'd imagine they don't have cut trees hanging around for weeks without water.

Anyway. The thing is dead. I know it's dead-dead already, but it is dropping needles every time we breathe near it, and we only bought it on Saturday (13th) last weekend and put it up on sunday, and stood it in a bucket of water outside overnight. It went into a base with a large reservoir of water and the water level hasn't gone down much so it's not sucking much up. The guy who carried it to the car said 'nah, don't bother' when I suggested we stop at the stall for cutting off a bit of the end of the trunk. It's getting bare and twiggy like a tree that's been baked by central heating for three weeks and it's making me really sad.

Somebody mentioned to me that the mild weather's been bad for trees generally this year, something to do with no cold snap making the sap retreat into the trunk or something?? But do you think I've got a leg to stand on if I ring the place (which trades on its good name) and ask for a replacement? maybe I got a bad one that had been left standing too long.

Not sure I can stand the idea of undecorating the current tree and redecorating a new one and I've got a horrible lurgy and am feeling rubbish, but the tree's the central part of Christmas for me, and I can't stand watching this one fall apart day by day, before we even reach the 25th.

[Hassled]

Oh definitely ring them. That sounds shite - and Christmas trees are not cheap. Has to be worth a shot.

[YouMakeMyDreams]

Definitely ring them we have a Nordman fir bought at the very beginning of December that hasn't even started going a tiny bit dry at the top yet. They are supposed to be the tree to have to avoid this.

[Loueytb3]

We had exactly the same problem. DH spoke to local garden centre who asked him to bring it back (which was a bit of a PITA) but when they saw it they didn't quibble and gave us a new one which has been fine. I would phone them.

[GlomOfNit]

I'm not going to undecorate it and bring it in for their perusal unless I get a guarantee that I'm going home with another one. Hoping they'll just say, come and get another one! (I know, if everyone tried that one on...) Have left a message with them.

God, I sound like Margo bloody Leadbetter!

[macnab]

Could you take a photo of it and offer to email or text it to them? Or put it on their facebook page and shame them into giving you a replacment!

They really should replace it for you, I can understand you being upset about it. Hopefully they will do the right thing.

[wonkylegs]

We've had ours since the first weekend of dec and we have no needle drop.

[GlomOfNit]

I've just gently brushed my hands over the branches, not roughly at all, and then swept up a good cupful of needles. That's not right, is it?

[GlomOfNit]

Mmm, FB page. Good idea. If they're awkward, I'll do that.

I hate the idea of undecorating it though. It's such a pretty shaped one, too. And DS2's birthday is at the weekend ... Will see what I can do tomorrow.

[Artandco]

It defiantly needed the bottom of trunk cut as otherwise it can't absorb water.

Ours it's 2 1/2 weeks old and looks as new. Is right next to a hot radiator also

[GlomOfNit]

Ok, so have spoken to the man there and he says it's a nationwide problem because of the lack of frost. Which doesn't really explain why some trees are ok and some not, but perhaps the frost problem exacerbates the drop problem with a few trees?

he's said I should take some photos and we'll take it from there.

[Hassled]

There often isn't a frost before Christmas - and if it were a national problem, wouldn't the Daily Mail be on to it by now? Just think of the fun they could have with sad-faced children in front of needle-less trees. That sounds like bollocks to me. Hope the photo tactic works.

[GlomOfNit]

This is true, Hassled.

[Lucy61]

hassled!

[eatpuddingdrinkwine]

we have had to take our tree back this year bought it on the 5th and almost no needles by the 9th ,complained got my money back and got another one . We discovered it is only fun decorating a tree once at Christmas!

[Dowser]

The daily mail is on to it lol. I read that needles are dropping on account of the mild temps this year.

( daily mail, in sainsburys cafe. Didn't buy it honest!)

[NoBarbaraGood]

Get a new tree. We had to do this one year. I'm attaching a photo of what the tree looked like before Christmas. We actually replaced it on the 23rd, I think, and never regretted doing so. I think you'll see why ....

[NoBarbaraGood]

D'oh! I really should have gotten someone to pose in front of it with a DMSF (Daily Mail Sad Face).

[Boutonneux]

We've had the exact same problem this year. got our tree from the same place we've gone to for the last 7 years and never had such a bad one. If a mouse farts 3 houses away it flings off 100 needles in panic.

We have a big dog who has never ever bothered with the tree but he does sometimes brush past it or accidentally knock it with his ever wagging tail... the bottom branches look especially shit.

The only thing that's stopping me taking it back for a replacement is I just cannot be arsed with the hassle of it all... I'm working 12 hour shifts for the next 3 nights and just haven't got any time

[Palomb]

I had an ikea tree and had to get a refund after less than a week!

[PrimeDirective]

There has been a very big problem this year and it has been reported in the press
www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/12049871/Why-youll-regret-buying-a-real-Christmas-tree-this-year.html

[GlomOfNit]

Boutonneux

Well, we have the replacement tree. It's outside in some water because I am slightly sloshed and cannot cope with the idea of stripping old tree and dressing new one tonight. Am hoping that redecorating from scratch will jumpstart Christmas for me, as have been without Christmas mojo thus far. You never know.

[NoBarbaraGood]

So happy to hear that, Glom!

My work here is done...