Is it really Christmas without a tree? But as much as artificial trees make for practical and reusable options, there’s nothing like the real deal and the scent of fresh pine to usher in the holiday cheer. They do however take a little more care than the plastic ones, though. Below, check out some basic care tips, and where to shop for a live Christmas tree in Singapore.
Types of firs
Christmas tree varieties include the Noble fir, Nordmann fir, Douglas fir, Grand fir, Fraser fir, and Balsam fir.
The most commonly sold in Singapore is the Noble fir, which boasts soft blue-green needles and a rich fresh fir fragrance. It’s native to the Pacific Northwest, and is more durable and suited for our climate. There’s also the Nordmann fir, which has good needle retention qualities and a light scent, making it a better choice for those with sensitive noses.
Care tips
1. Place your tree in cold water once you get home or when it’s delivered to you. The water level shouldn’t go below the base of the tree.
2. Keep mozzies at bay by adding mosquito-repellent dunks or granules.
3. Keep your tree away from heat sources, direct sunlight and the air-conditioner to prevent it from drying out
4. Use low heat-producing lights. Mini lights help in delaying the drying of the tree.
5. Turn off any decorative lights when you’re leaving the house to prevent accidental fires.
6. Check tree lights for missing or broken bulbs, and make sure wires and extension cords are not frayed or overloaded.
7. Mist your tree with cold water in the morning to help it keep fresh and fragrant. If lighting decorations aren’t waterproof, you’ll have to take them off before misting the tree.
Can’t wait to start shopping? Scroll down for a list of places to check out.
Want to decorate in style while staying on budget? Apart from a range of chic Christmas decorations that are already in stores, the Swedish retail giant will be bringing in live Christmas trees (usually Nordmann firs) in various sizes and at affordable price tags from mid-November.
Prices: From $59 (family price: $49) for a tree that’s between 0.5m to 1m, to $79 (family price: $89) for a 2m-tall tree. You can also purchase tree bases or stands, priced from $20.
Visit its website for more information and to shop. Live trees are not available for purchase at Ikea Jurong.
Sing See Soon stocks Fraser firs that are procured from a sustainable farm in Canada. According to the wholesale flower and landscaping specialist, these sport softer needles, which reduces the risk of getting pricked. The trees all get an individual washdown, so fallen pines get washed out, before getting wrapped up again before delivery.
When it’s time to say goodbye to your tree, Sing See Soon also offers a disposal service for $30.
Prices: From $135 for a 4 to 5ft tree, to $413 for an 8 to 9ft tree. $30 delivery fee for islandwide delivery, including Sentosa and Marina Bay.
Visit its website to shop or for more information. Sing See Soon is at 5 Simei Lane, Singapore 528710, and 32 Punggol Road East #01-02, Singapore 828824.
Think flowers and plants and wholesaler Far East Flora comes to mind. And as Christmas approaches, you’ll find it filled with fine firs, too. This season, it’s stocked up on Noble firs, and is running an early bird special, which will nab you up to $98 off, for a limited time only.
And if you have no room for a full-sized tree, there are adorable mini ones on sale too. It also sells festive bouquets and arrangements, wreaths and Christmas hampers.
Prices: From $252.99 for a 5 to 6ft tree to $467.98 for an 8 to 9ft tree. Prices are inclusive of a tree stand. Delivery fees are $30 (up to 8/9ft), and $50 (up to 9/10ft to 11/12ft )
Visit its website to shop or for more information.
This Christmas, popular local wholesale florist Candy Floriculture has imported Noble firs and Nordmann firs. At the time of writing, however, the Noble firs have sold out online. You can add on with a tree stand ($20) as well as tree disposal services ($30).
You can also browse other festive plants like Christmas holly, and Holland poinsettias to deck your home in jolly splendour.
Prices: From $179 for a 4 to 5ft tree, to $899 for a 9 to 10ft tree
Visit its website to shop or for more information.
Wholesaler Ji Mei Flower has stocked up on Noble firs from the US that range from 3ft to 12ft in height. According to its website, it will also offer Nordmann first from Dec 9, 2022.
Prices: $145 for a 4 to 5ft tree to $295 for a 7 to 8ft tree. Early bird specials are on till Nov 30, 2022.
Candy Floriculture is at 567 Thomson Road, Singapore 298183. Visit its website to shop or for more information.
It’s a fuss-free process when you get your tree from plant nursery The Green Corner, which offers free delivery, set-up, dismantling, and disposal. Plus, each tree purchase gets you two free poinsettias (while stocks last).
For an additional fee, you can also opt for a fire-retardant coating that reduces the risk of combustion. The Green Corner promises that the coating is transparent, nearly odourless, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally friendly.
Prices: From $259 for a 4ft tree to $2,790 for a 12ft tree.
Visit its website to shop or for more information. The Green Corner is at 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998.
Supermarket Cold Storage doesn’t just have a bevy of delicious Christmas goodies (think turkey, ham and cakes) and bundles, you can pick up Fraser firs, too. Sourced from the US, they range from five to eight ft in height.
Pre-orders for Christmas trees end Nov 25, 2022.
Prices: From $139 for a 5 to 6ft tree, to $199 for a 7 to 8ft tree. A delivery fee of $60 per tree, per location applies, and for up to three trees only. Should there be an order of a 4th tree at the same location, there will be an additional $60 fee.
Visit Cold Storage’s website to shop or for more information. Self-collection is not applicable for pre-ordered trees.