Key sign your Christmas tree is 'going off' and how to avoid it

It might have appeared wise to erect your tree early to savour its splendour for an extended period - but you could be regretting that decision now.

In keeping with tradition, increasing numbers of Brits are choosing a genuine Christmas tree, introducing that distinctive festive aroma to their homes. However, alongside the hectic journey to the Christmas tree farm and the inevitable needle cascade across your carpet, comes the unwelcome prospect of decay setting in before you're prepared to dismantle it.

According to former  Royal Gardener Jack Stooks, speaking to Heart Bingo, this year people have been purchasing their trees for home display "way too soon". So prematurely, in fact, that they might already be beginning to deteriorate, particularly if they've been positioned indoors since November.

The German custom involved acquiring the tree on Christmas Eve's eve, transporting it home on the 23rd, allowing it to acclimatise and adorning it the subsequent day. However, here in Britain, we possess the tendency to purchase our trees predominantly before December even commences.

The specialist horticulturist advises: "If you bring a tree in too early and it's too warm or dark, it dries out quickly, even with watering." He likens a real tree to a flower positioned in a vase, noting that "once it starts to go over, it's going to go off quickly".

Those larger trees typically absorb substantial quantities of water, so whilst they're receiving none, it won't be long before they begin to dehydrate. This desiccation serves as a clear indicator that your tree is beginning to deteriorate, the horticulturist explains.

With this consideration, it's recommended that you delay as long as feasible before bringing a genuine Christmas tree into your residence. Meanwhile, those planted with root systems don't require excessive watering, or they will start to decompose; instead, you should aim to preserve their dampness without saturating them.

The Royal horticulturist stated: "These trees need constant water and light in the house and should not be near radiators or fires because that dries them out."Regarding when to anticipate removing them from your dwelling, he recommends by January 12th, as this will be well beyond their deterioration point.

Additional guidance from Michigan State University suggests that once your tree arrives home, you should provide it with a fresh cut. Before positioning it in a stand, they recommend trimming half an inch up to one inch from the tree's base, which will assist the tree to "resume water uptake".

The guidance goes on to clarify that when trees are felled at the farm, the freshly cut end rapidly begins to dehydrate, causing the resin to "clog the water-conducting tissues in the trunk". They explained: "This will limit water uptake, so re-cutting the end aids in allowing the tree to take up water and remain hydrated. A hydrated tree will hold its needles longer than a tree that has dried out."