Jack Stooks, who worked as a gardener for the King for decades, has shared his expert tips for choosing the perfect Christmas tree and keeping it fresh throughout the holiday season
08:00, 18 Nov 2025Updated 08:23, 18 Nov 2025
When is the best time to get your tree(Image: Getty Images)
King Charles’ ex-gardener reveals the ideal date to erect your Christmas tree and where you should NEVER place it.
Jack Stooks, a former Royal gardener for King Charles, is well-versed in keeping both indoor and outdoor plants looking their best after decades of service.
With Halloween and Bonfire Night now behind us, many are shifting their focus to Christmas, and the big day will be here before we know it.
While some enjoy decking their halls as early as November to create a festive ambience, when is the optimal time to put up your Christmas tree?
Real trees are lush, aromatic, and full of personality, but they don’t last forever. Put them up too soon, and by 25th December, those full branches can start to look sparse and weary, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Jack shares his top tips for making sure you have the perfect tree(Image: Betway / Jack Stooks)
Speaking to Smooth Spins Casino – Smooth Radio’s gaming brand – Jack Stooks, King Charles’ former Royal gardener, imparts his expert advice on selecting the perfect Christmas tree and maintaining its freshness throughout the festive season.
Firstly, he outlines the ideal time to get your Christmas tree – if you’re planning on a real one this festive season – and it’s not good news if you like your decorations up early. Jack advises waiting as long as possible.
He explained: “Ideally, your tree should go up as close to Christmas as possible. Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas Day, so mid-December is perfect. These days, many people put their trees up on December 1st, or even in November, but that’s quite early, especially for real trees.
People are starting to think about their Christmas trees(Image: Tom Werner via Getty Images)
“Cut trees dry out quickly, much like cut flowers. Leave them too long, and by Christmas you’ll find more needles on the floor than on the branches! If you want a tree that lasts longer, consider a potted option. With regular watering and a cool spot, it will stay fresh for weeks.”
So when’s the best time to get your real tree?
Jack has revealed the exact date to ensure it looks its absolute best for Christmas Day itself. He advised: “Buy and decorate it about a week before Christmas. This way, it will still look beautiful for the big day and through to New Year’s. Aiming for around December 17th or 18th is ideal. It’s late enough to stay fresh but early enough to enjoy it for a while.”
But Jack has one final tip for keeping your tree looking its best for as long as possible – and it’s all about placement and proper care.
He added: “Keep it cool and away from radiators or fireplaces. Use a stand with water, topping it up regularly. For potted trees, keep the soil slightly moist. Position it near a bright window if possible, as light helps it last longer.”
Comments are closed.