Having real Christmas trees is well worth the effort

There was no doubt at all that this was a Norway Spruce — the rash on my forearms spoke volumes.

If you want to tell the difference — and it can be tricky — say between a spruce and a Douglas or a Nordmann Fir, think of the ‘sp’ in the former illustrating spikey where the latter variety is anything but — almost feathery to the touch.

The Nordmann Fir is spikey.

Time was when the spruce was easily the most popular festive tree — supported by the fact that the Norwegians have, since the end of the Second World War, given this country a massive specimen as a symbol of the enduring friendship engendered by our united opposition to the German invasion.

However, in the home, the spruce and its myriad of sharp falling needles has been in steep decline — except that is in container specimens which are now widely available.

The reason for that is that if they are brought inside in their pot they do shed a few needles but not the huge quantity of a cut spruce.

The Norway Spruce.

The Norway Spruce has a big advantage in that it grows quickly while the Nordmann Fir, while it will eventually attain the same giddy heights — if allowed to grow unchecked — is a much slower grower.

The latter, however has the great bonus that it will not shed needles, to such effect that even desiccated specimens will still be completely intact months or even years later if stored in the dry.

Some people are even enticed to spray them silver or gold and bring them in for more Christmas outings. Beware, though, after encouraging my partner to do it, it was a move caterwauled by the kids.

Four out of five Christmas trees sold in this country are now Nordmanns.

However, most of the overgrown specimens you will see in people’s gardens are spruce, like one donated to our community by a kind Nettlestone resident.

Last year, at this time, we went to Jim’s house and relieved him of a spruce which had done what they do when planted outside, quickly outgrown the space available to a height of 12ft or so in just a few years.

We put it in a huge container and be-decked with lights from Pondwell Residents’ Association, it will again from early next month, decorate the small green at Bullen Cross, illustrating that transplanting even large specimens will work if enough of the fibrous roots are preserved.

And, whether they be re-useable containerised trees, or cut specimens, the fact that they have sucked carbon from the atmosphere during their limited lifespan is now recognised as being much better for the environment than their plastic equivalents.

If growing them outside, choose a site in full sun or partial shade with a nice, loamy soil. not too heavy or sandy. And remember, unless it is in a container, give it plenty of wiggle room.

If you do go for a spruce indoors:

Saw a couple of inches off the stem before putting it up. It will help the take-up of water.

Make sure to keep your tree well-watered.

Don’t place it near heat sources such as a fireplace or radiator.

Happy growing!