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3 Key Things To Consider First…
1. Space
Measure your ceiling height and width space before going down to get your Christmas tree. The recommended height is a buffer space of 1 feet from the ceiling if you have a bigger hall or a buffer space of 2 feet from the ceiling if you have a smaller room. This also leaves room for a tree topper.
2. Placement
Take note not to place your tree near any heat source or direct sunlight, as that will dry out your tree very fast. If you’re thinking of placing you tree near the window with indirect sunlight, you might have to water your tree more frequently due to evaporation.
Also consider the fact that a live Christmas tree involves a lot more work and maintenance than an artificial one. So ask yourself if you have the time to upkeep your tree.
3. The Stand
If you’re a regular buyer of real Christmas trees and already have one from last year, check to make sure what size tree it holds and make sure it fits the Christmas tree you’re planning to buy. If you are completely new to this whole thing, make sure you get a stand to go with it when you’re buying the tree. Some nurseries provide the stand on a loan basis, which you have to return after getting rid of the tree.
The best time to buy is…
Now! Most trees last for 30 days, so if you’re planning to have it last till the end of the year, the best time to buy would be the first week of December.
The types of trees available are…
Christmas trees varieties include Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir. However the most common ones in nurseries here are Noble Fir, which is the most suited for our climatic condition. Their stiff and evenly-spaced branches make it easy to hang ornaments.
Choose a tree by…
Smell: Make sure it has a fresh, evergreen scent.
Sight: Make sure the needles are a beautiful dark green and not turning brown. Ensure that the tree is reasonably bushy and not sparse – if it’s sparse, it is an indication that the pine needles are dropping off and the tree is drying up.
Maintenance of the tree involves…
Pouring cold water immediately into the stand when the tree reaches your home as the tree will be thirsty from the delivery transit. While room temperature water works too, cold water is recommended as it prolongs the shelf life of your tree.
The water should be topped up every day or every two days, depending on how thirsty your tree is. Check the water levels daily. To prevent mosquito from breeding, you can add anti-mosquito granules into the water.
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Be aware of these safety precautions…
1. Use low-heat producing decorations and lights on your Christmas tree to delay the drying of your Christmas trees.
2. Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring. Replace if necessary.
3. Turn your tree lights off every night or when you leave the house, to prevent accidental fires from happening when you are unaware.
To dispose of the tree…
Most nurseries offer a Christmas tree disposal service by professionals. Enquire after purchasing your tree. If you wish to dispose your tree yourself, saw the tree in small pieces (about 1.5 feet in length) and dispose it properly, with the ornaments, lights and metal wiring thrown separately. However, if your tree is more than 12 feet in height, it is recommended that you hire a professional to dispose your tree.
Places to buy a live Christmas tree in Singapore:
Prince’s Landscape & Construction
Where: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, tel: 6766-7000 or online at prince.com.sg/christmas-trees-and-decor
What: Noble Fir ranging from 4 feet to 20 feet
Price: Prices range from $172 for a 4-feet (including stand loan, delivery, set-up, dismantle, and disposal) to $8,143 for a 20-feet
Cold Storage, Market Place and Jasons The Gourmet Grocer
Where: Selected Cold Storage, Market Place and Jasons stores where cash and carry is available
What: Noble Fir and Douglas Fir ranging from 5 feet to 10 feet
Price: Prices range from $99.95 for a 5-6-feet to $199.96 for a 10-feet, with a delivery charge of $60
Far East Flora
Where: Goodwood Florist, 565 Thomson Road, tel: 6254-7722 or online at fareastflora.com/plants/christmas-trees
What: Noble Fir ranging from 4-feet to 9-feet
Price: Prices range from $125 for a 4-feet to $320 for a 9-feet
Candy Floriculture
Where: 567 Thomson Road, tel: 6256-6788 or online at candy.com.sg/product-category/festive/christmas/christmas-trees
What: Noble Fir ranging from 2 feet to 13 feet and Nordmann Fir ranging from 5 feet to 9 feet
Price: Prices range from $68 (2-feet) to $2,480 (13-feet) for Noble and $150 (5-feet) to $485 (9-feet) for Nordmann. Delivery charges are from $30 if you order online. If you go down to buy, it will be a cash and carry. Dismantle service is at an additional $30. Stand loans are priced from $25.
Corona Florist and Nursery
Where: 388F Clementi Road, tel: 6466-2827
What: Noble Fir ranging from 4 feet to 9 feet
Price: Prices range from $118 for a 4-feet to $310 for a 9-feet. Delivery charges are from $30 and the stand loan is from $30. A cash and carry option is also available. Arrange for Christmas tree disposal after Christmas with a fee of $30.
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Text: Ho Pei Ying, HerWorldPlus / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
Photos: Pixabay and Stocksnap