King Charles’ ex-gardener reveals the precise date to put up 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 putting up their decorations as early as November to create a festive atmosphere, when is the ideal time to erect your Christmas tree?
Real trees are lush, fragrant, 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.
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 optimal 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 said: “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.
“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.”
Therefore, what’s the best time to acquire your genuine tree?
Jack has provided people with the precise date to ensure it appears as magnificent as possible for Christmas Day itself.
He said: “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.”
However, there’s one final tip Jack has for ensuring your tree appears as excellent as possible for as long as possible – and that’s where it requires positioning and how you must tend to it.
He said: “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.”
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