10 top tips for a sparkling Christmas tree

Dig out the tape measure

Measure the space where it will sit in the house. Trees always look a lot bigger when you get them indoors.

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Check the condition

Look for shiny green foliage that feels and smells fresh. Avoid trees with dull foliage and any that are already shedding needles. Feel the weight of the trees and compare them. Heavy trees are full of sap; and these will last longer.

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Plan decoration

Think about how you will decorate it. Sometimes very bushy trees are the most difficult to decorate. You may get more pleasing results from a tree with a little space between the branches.

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Strip the net before buying

Always buy a tree that has been opened up for you to see, rather than one that is ready netted. If you buy the latter you may be disappointed when you undo it. A tree is normally re-netted to make it easier for you to get it home. Always cut off the netting, rather than pulling it off as this will damage the foliage.

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Give it a drink

When home remove a few of the lower branches of the tree, leaving around 30cm of clear stem. Saw off the bottom 10cm, and plunge the tree straight into a bucket of water. Keep it upright outside until you are ready to bring it indoors.

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Keep it watered

Always use a Christmas Tree stand that holds plenty of water as your tree will need it. Using a cut flower food, such as Chrysal in the water will keep the tree fresh for longer.

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Keep it cool

Position the tree in a cool room if possible. Keep it well away from radiators and open fires, but near a power source for the all-important lights.

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Get the lights right

Make sure all the lights work, then put them on the tree before the decorations. Begin at the top of the tree and work your way down so that the lead which connects to the plug is at the base of the tree, ideally at the back.

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Enjoy your tree

Cut trees are grown as a crop to be harvested. There is no need to worry that by buying a cut tree you are denuding forest that will grow to maturity.

If you do buy a potted or container grown tree with roots think carefully before planting it in the garden. Most Christmas trees do not make good garden trees.

Enjoy your tree!

Andy McIndoe is one of Britain’s leading horticulturists and a tutor at MyGardenSchool, where he teaches ‘A Professional Guide to Choosing, Using and Planting Shrubs’; ‘A Professional Guide to Choosing, Using and Planting Trees’; ‘Experts Guide to Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs’; and ‘How to Get The Perfect Lawn.’

Andy is also Managing Director of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres and is perhaps best known as designer of the Hillier exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has won an unprecedented record of 66 consecutive gold medals.

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• 16 creative gift wrapping techniques