Choosing a Christmas tree seems simple: go to shop, pick tree, buy tree, done. But then you get it home and it’s either too big, too small, dropping needles everywhere, or won’t fit through the door.
We’ve all been there. Standing in a car park surrounded by trees, genuinely unable to tell if this one’s 6ft or 8ft, wondering if it’ll fit in the living room, and hoping it’ll still look good in three weeks.
This is your complete guide to choosing a Christmas tree—covering size, type, where to buy, what to look for, and how to get the bloody thing home without decorating your car interior with pine needles.
- Step 1: Measure Your Space (Seriously, Do This)
- Step 2: Choose Real or Artificial
- Step 3: If Going Real, Choose Your Type
- Step 4: Check for Freshness
- Step 5: Choose the Right Shape
- Step 6: Get the Right Size
- Where to Buy Christmas Trees
- What to Ask the Seller
- Getting Your Tree Home
- Setting Up Your Tree
- Budget Guide
- Top Tips from Tree Experts
- Common Mistakes
- The Bottom Line
Step 1: Measure Your Space (Seriously, Do This)
The most common mistake: Not measuring. Trees always look smaller in the shop.
What to Measure
Ceiling height:
- Measure from floor to ceiling
- Subtract 15-20cm for tree topper/star
- Subtract 15cm for tree stand
- That’s your maximum tree height
Example:
- Ceiling: 2.4m (8ft)
- Minus topper: 2.2m
- Minus stand: 2.05m
- Maximum tree: 2m (about 6.5ft)
Width:
- Measure space where tree will go
- Allow 30cm clearance on each side (for decorations and walking past)
- That’s your maximum width
Doorways:
- Measure your doorways
- Tree needs to fit through (obvious but often forgotten)
- Consider if you’ll go straight or angle it
Pro Measuring Tips
Take a tape measure to the shop. Seriously. You’ll look sensible, not silly.
Take a photo of your space with measurements written on it. Reference while shopping.
Bring someone who’s good at spatial awareness if you’re not. We all know someone who can just tell if things will fit.
Step 2: Choose Real or Artificial
We’ve covered this fully in our Real vs Artificial guide, but quick summary:
Real if you want:
- Amazing smell
- Authentic look
- Traditional experience
- Support tree farmers
Artificial if you want:
- No mess
- Reusable
- Can put up early
- Long-term cost savings
Step 3: If Going Real, Choose Your Type
Nordmann Fir (Most Popular)
Why it’s brilliant:
- Best needle retention (barely drops any)
- Soft needles (won’t spike you)
- Good shape naturally
- Lasts 4-5 weeks indoors
Downsides:
- More expensive (£40-70 for 6ft)
- Citrus smell (not that classic pine)
Best for: Families who want real tree without the mess nightmare.
Norway Spruce (Traditional)
Why people love it:
- THE classic Christmas tree smell
- Traditional appearance
- Cheaper (£20-40 for 6ft)
- Nostalgic
Downsides:
- Drops needles constantly
- Dries out faster
- Needs more watering
Best for: Traditionalists who don’t mind hoovering daily and want that proper pine scent.
Fraser Fir
Why it’s good:
- Excellent needle retention
- Strong branches (good for heavy decorations)
- Pleasant scent
- Pyramid shape
Downsides:
- Less common in UK
- More expensive
Best for: If you can find it and afford it—great all-rounder.
Blue Spruce
Why it’s different:
- Stunning blue-grey colour
- Very strong branches
- Distinctive
Downsides:
- VERY sharp needles (painful!)
- Expensive
- Harder to find
Best for: Show piece if you’re careful and have the budget.
Step 4: Check for Freshness
A fresh tree lasts weeks. A tree that’s been cut ages ago will drop needles immediately.
Freshness Tests
The Shake Test:
- Hold tree by trunk
- Bounce it gently on the ground
- A few needles falling = fine
- Lots of needles = too dry, skip it
The Needle Test:
- Bend a needle gently
- Fresh = flexible
- Dry = snaps easily
The Smell Test:
- Fresh tree = strong scent
- Old tree = weak or no scent
Visual Check:
- Bright green colour = fresh
- Dull, grey-green = old
- Needles firm and full = fresh
- Needles loose or thin = skip
Ask When Cut: Most sellers will tell you. Cut within the last week is ideal.
Step 5: Choose the Right Shape
Assess the Tree
Walk around it entirely. Don’t just look at the “front.”
Check for:
- Bald spots: Gaps in branches (some are okay, lots aren’t)
- Even distribution: Branches all the way around
- Straight trunk: Wonky trunk = wonky tree
- Good taper: Wider at bottom, narrower at top (pyramid shape)
The reality: No tree is perfect. A few gaps are fine—you can turn those to the wall or fill with decorations. But massive bald patches will show.
Consider Your Decorating Style
Heavy decorations? Choose a tree with strong, sturdy branches (Fraser Fir or Norway Spruce).
Light decorations? Any tree will do.
Lots of tinsel? Denser branches look better.
Minimal decorations? You need a beautiful tree shape naturally.
Step 6: Get the Right Size
Height Guide
Standard UK ceiling (2.4m/8ft): Most common tree: 6-6.5ft
High ceilings (3m+): Can go 7-8ft+
Low ceilings (2.2m or less): 5-6ft max
Remember: Tree will look smaller in the shop/field. Add the stand height (15cm), topper height (15-20cm), and floor clearance.
Width Matters Too
Slim profile trees:
- 2-3ft wide
- Good for corners, small rooms, hallways
Standard trees:
- 3-5ft wide at base
- Most common
Full/bushy trees:
- 5ft+ wide
- Need lots of space
- Very impressive but take up room
Where to Buy Christmas Trees
Garden Centres
Pros:
- Good selection
- Usually fresh
- Can see before buying
- Expert advice available
- Often deliver
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Busy at weekends
Cost: £££
Best for: Quality trees, seeing in person.
Supermarkets
Pros:
- Convenient
- Usually decent quality
- Can pick up while food shopping
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited selection
- No delivery usually
- Variable freshness
Cost: ££
Best for: Convenience, decent value.
Pop-Up Christmas Tree Stalls
Pros:
- Often in car parks near you
- Good selection
- Competitive prices
- Can usually fit in car
Cons:
- Quality varies
- Less accountability
- No delivery
Cost: ££
Best for: Local convenience, decent prices.
Christmas Tree Farms (Cut Your Own)
Pros:
- Freshest possible (you cut it!)
- Fun family experience
- Support local farmers
- Often cheaper
- Know exactly when it was cut
Cons:
- Need to get there (usually rural)
- Need equipment (saw, roof rack)
- Takes time
- Weather dependent
Cost: ££
Best for: Experience, freshness, family activity.
Online Delivery
Pros:
- Delivered to your door
- Wide selection
- Can schedule delivery
- No car needed
Cons:
- Can’t see before buying
- Delivery slots fill up
- More expensive usually
- Need to be home
Cost: £££
Best for: No car, convenience, busy people.
Which Is Best?
Best value: Supermarkets or local stalls
Best quality: Garden centres or tree farms
Best experience: Cut-your-own farms
Most convenient: Online delivery or supermarkets
What to Ask the Seller
When was it cut? Last week is ideal.
What type is it? Make sure you’re getting what you think.
How long will it last? Nordmann should last 4-5 weeks, Norway Spruce 2-3 weeks.
Do you deliver? Essential if you don’t have a big car.
Can I return it if there’s a problem? Good sellers will replace faulty trees.
Getting Your Tree Home
In Your Car
Boot/hatchback:
- Most 6ft trees fit with seats down
- Bring blankets (protect interior from sap and needles)
- Open windows (needles will fly everywhere)
Saloon car:
- Difficult for any tree over 5ft
- Consider delivery
Small car:
- Delivery or roof rack only real options
Roof Rack
How to secure:
- Tree goes tip-first (aerodynamics)
- Wrap in netting or tarp
- Secure with rope/bungee cords
- Check multiple times
- Drive slowly
Without roof rack: Most sellers can arrange delivery for £10-20. Worth it.
Professional Delivery
Cost: £10-30 depending on distance
Pros:
- No hassle
- They handle it
- Often help set up
Cons:
- Need to be home
- Extra cost
Setting Up Your Tree
You’ll Need
- Proper Christmas tree stand (£10-30)
- Water reservoir (essential for real trees)
- Someone to help (trees are heavy and awkward)
- Space cleared
- Protectors under stand (if wooden floors)
The Process
- Cut the base: Trim 2-3cm off trunk (helps water absorption)
- Stand prep: Fill water reservoir
- Position stand: Where you want tree
- Insert tree: Straight into stand
- Get it straight: This is the faffy bit (someone needs to check from all angles)
- Tighten screws: Secure it firmly
- Fill with water: Immediately
- Leave for 24 hours: Let branches drop before decorating
Getting It Straight
The most frustrating part.
Tips:
- One person holds, one checks
- Check from multiple angles
- Use a spirit level if you’re that person
- Small adjustments only
- Accept “good enough” (perfection is impossible)
Budget Guide
Budget Option (£20-30)
- Norway Spruce from supermarket
- 5-6ft
- Basic stand
- Might drop needles but fine for a week or two
Mid-Range (£40-60)
- Nordmann Fir from garden centre
- 6-7ft
- Good stand with reservoir
- Fresh and lasts well
Premium (£70-100+)
- Fraser Fir or large Nordmann
- 7-8ft
- Delivery included
- Lasts entire season
Top Tips from Tree Experts
Buy local if possible: Fresher trees, support local business
Go early in season: Best selection, freshest trees
Don’t cheap out on the stand: A wonky tree is miserable
Water immediately: Trees drink 1-2 litres a day initially
Check regularly: Daily water checks essential
Keep away from heat: Radiators/fires dry trees out fast
Accept imperfection: No tree is perfect, and that’s fine
Common Mistakes
❌ Not measuring before shopping
❌ Buying too early (tree dies before Christmas)
❌ Choosing based on price alone (cheap dead tree isn’t a bargain)
❌ Not checking freshness
❌ Forgetting to trim the base
❌ Buying without a plan to get it home
❌ Wrong size stand
❌ Not watering enough
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Christmas tree doesn’t have to be stressful. Measure your space, decide on type, check for freshness, and pick one that looks good from all angles.
The perfect tree is one that:
- Fits your space
- Fits your budget
- Makes you smile when you look at it
Everything else is just details.
And remember: once it’s decorated with lights and baubles, covered in tinsel, and surrounded by presents, even a slightly wonky tree looks magical.
That’s the real Christmas magic.
Related Guides:
- Back to Christmas Decorating Guide
- Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees
- When to Put Up Christmas Decorations
What’s your Christmas tree choosing strategy? Any disasters to share? Tell us in the comments!