Real Christmas Tree advice

[Myselfonashelf]

I have never had a real tree. Always a fake one.

This year I want to get a real one, i wanted a rwal one last year but was put off because i sont know what ro do ot or how to do care for it.
So I need an idiots guide to getting a real tree. Absolutely everything from buying to caring for it, what yo put it in etc etc.
Am open to living or cut options.
I can't have a super bushy one die to space but guess I could trim it back if needed??
Height anything from 4ft to 6ft ish.
Am off on a rare evening out but will.check this thread later.
Thanks in advance

If you don’t want it overly bushy I would probably get a Fraser fir if you can, they tend to be narrower than the Nordman firs. They are both supposed to be non-drop trees ( you always get some dropping in my experience).

When you buy the tree they may offer to cut half an inch or so off the trunk, I’d do this ( or do it yourself if not) as if helps the tree to drink the water.

I keep mine netted outside in a bucket of water until I’m ready to put it up. I normally put mine up around the 13/15th.

Inside, keep it away from any heat source to prevent it drying it out too much.

Keep checking the water level, they can drink a lot!

I bought a stand with a water reserve and clips that hold the truck in place, Homebase etc sell them.

Someone told me to put bleach in with the water as it helps stop it going stagnant. I thought they were crazy and it was a joke that would kill my tree - but it worked. Tree looked amazing!

I second the Fraser Fir, not too much needle drop and lasts a while.

Thank you.
I might go and choose one this weekend but leave it outside until mid December.
I will also look at the stands. It's the watering it I'm not sure about. I kill most plants. How often does it need watering?

Go to IKEA, they’re £25 and you get a £20 voucher. You can also pick up a stand at the same time.
Great deal

We have got a real tree the past few years and now we could never go back to artificial. We have had both a Nordman and Fraser and we much prefer the look of the Fraser fir. The needles are softer as well with is better if you have young children/pets. We will pick and collect our one on Sunday and it will be taken down on Boxing day - even by then it still looks amazing.