Why a Real Nordman Fir Still Beats a Plastic Tree (and How to Pick the Perfect One)

Have you ever looked at the Christmas tree in mid-December and felt that familiar little pang of disappointment? The branches are looking tired, the floor is dotted with needles, and somehow the tree that seemed just right when you brought it home now feels like one more thing to tidy up.

Or perhaps it’s the old plastic tree: perfectly practical, but never quite the shape you wanted. This year, you’re wondering whether it’s time for a change.

For many families, the tree is more than a decoration. It’s the moment the season begins: choosing one together, bringing it home, and watching the room feel different once the lights go on. If that sounds like your kind of Christmas, a fresh-cut real Nordman Fir could be the answer.

Why choose a real Nordman Fir?

Nordman Firs are loved for their full, balanced shape, rich green colour and soft needles. Most of all, they’re prized for excellent needle retention, making them a popular choice for families who want the look and feel of a real tree without constantly sweeping up.

No cut tree can be guaranteed to shed absolutely no needles. Good care makes a difference, though, and Nordman Firs are known for holding on to theirs exceptionally well. They bring the natural character of a real tree into your home, along with the little details that make it feel like Christmas: branches that catch the light, an individual shape and that lovely fresh-tree feeling.

A plastic tree can be a convenient choice, and many families enjoy bringing the same one out each year. But if you miss the tradition of choosing a tree together, or want something natural and freshly cut at the centre of the room, a real Nordman Fir has a charm that’s hard to recreate.

Trotters Traders’ real Premium Nordman Fir trees are arriving

As the season arrives, our real Premium Nordman Fir Christmas trees will be arriving in the coming weeks. They’re fresh cut and locally sourced, and Trotters Traders has become a go-to Christmas tree supplier in the area for good reason: we’re known for offering excellent value for money.

Customers come back year after year for our trees. We know that choosing one is part of a family tradition, and that you want a tree that looks beautiful at home without stretching the Christmas budget. Our trees are garden-centre quality at Trotters Traders prices, and we believe you’ll struggle to find better value for money in the area.

As a family-run business and the area’s No. 1 discount retailer, we work hard to be ready for the season before you realise you need us. That means bringing together quality, choice and everyday value, so the festive preparations feel a little easier.

How to pick the right size tree for your room

A tree can look smaller outside than it will once you bring it indoors, so it helps to measure before you set off. A few minutes with a tape measure can save you the challenge of trying to make an oversized tree fit.

• Measure the ceiling height. Allow room for the stand and any star or topper. You don’t want the top pressing against the ceiling.
• Check the width as well as the height. A broad tree may take up more room than expected, especially in a smaller living room.
• Think about where it will stand. Leave enough space for people to move around it, and avoid blocking a doorway, walkway or exit.
• Consider the stand before choosing. A sturdy, water-holding stand needs to fit the trunk securely. Make sure the stand’s opening is suitable for the tree you have in mind.

If you’re choosing as a family, agree on the room and rough size before the children spot the biggest tree in sight. Then you can focus on finding a shape that suits your home, and enjoy the choosing part without the “it looked smaller outside” surprise.

How to keep your Nordman Fir looking good

A little attention after you get the tree home goes a long way. The most important thing is to help it stay hydrated.

Use a sturdy stand with a water reservoir. Before putting the tree in the stand, saw a small slice from the base of the trunk, then place it straight into water. The trunk should remain in contact with the water, so check the reservoir daily and top it up as needed. A fresh tree may take up more water at first.

Keep it away from heat. Position the tree well away from radiators, fires and other heat sources. A cooler spot out of direct sunlight helps slow drying and supports good needle retention.

Give the branches time to settle. Once the tree is safely in its stand, remove any netting and let the branches fall naturally into place before decorating. Check that it’s straight and secure, then add the lights and decorations.

For more guidance on Nordmann Firs and caring for real Christmas trees, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association is a useful resource.

Make the Christmas shop feel simpler

The tree may be the big moment, but it’s rarely the only thing on your list. Alongside your Nordman Fir, you can pick up the rest of the Christmas shop in one trip: decorations and lights, gift wrap, throws and blankets for cosy evenings, household and cleaning essentials, kitchen bits, food and drinks, toiletries, tools and hardware, and pet care.

And when the evening calls for a fire, we have kiln-dried logs at all four stores, along with smokeless household coal, firelighters and Twizlers. It’s all part of getting ready for the season before the last-minute rush begins.

We also know that keeping the cost of Christmas manageable matters. Our prices are often lower than those at big DIY retailers such as B&Q and Wickes, and we regularly check our prices against Home Bargains and B&M, matching or beating them where we can. The point isn’t to add more pressure to your shopping list. It’s to make the essentials feel a little more affordable.

Find your tree at a store near you

You can visit us in Grimsby, Louth, Scunthorpe or Beverley as the Christmas tree season gets underway. Check our store information before setting off.

Our stores are dog-friendly too, and there’s a dog wash available for muddy paws after a winter walk. For more information, see our dog wash guide.

The best tree isn’t necessarily the tallest or the fullest. It’s the one that fits your home, feels right when you bring it through the door, and gives your family a reason to gather round. If a real tree is part of the Christmas you love, keep an eye out for the arrival of our fresh-cut, locally sourced Premium Nordman Firs. We’ll be ready to help you find your tree, and make the rest of the season feel that bit easier.