how to find a beautiful inexpensive tree

A pretty Christmas tree without breaking the bank? It may seem mission impossible. However, by following our advice, we can quite find the rare pearl.

How to choose the right Christmas tree? And how not to ruin yourself at the same time? While we have just switched to the month of December, it is high time to take care of the traditional tree to decorate. Tradition has it that it is installed on the first weekend of December but some have already taken the lead. For those who only worry about it now, it remains to find “the right one”.

In France, each year, nearly 6 million natural fir trees are sold in France (80% of which come from French production). A well-established tradition that dates back at least to the 15th century and is undoubtedly originating in Alsace, where the forests are full of fir trees. We are even celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first written mention of this Christmas tree tradition. Time goes by, but its popularity continues. Just like the difficulty in finding the “right” tree at the right price.

Average price of a tree: 28.73 euros

In 2020, according to a Kantar study, 22.5% of French households (6.4 million) bought a natural Christmas tree at average price of 28.73 euros (and only 2.7% of households have opted for an artificial tree). With a clear preference for Nordmann fir (80% of sales), which does not lose its needles, on spruce (which is more fragrant). But whether it’s a Nordmann or a spruce top, the catch is that the price of natural fir keeps rising.

The average purchase price fell from 22.6 euros in 2008 to 28.9 euros in 2020. One of the reasons, but not the only one, is that the French tend to buy bigger trees than in the past. years. Note that in 2020, only 9% of Christmas trees were in pots or clods (to be replanted after the holidays).

Where to find a beautiful Christmas tree without breaking the bank

  • A good idea is to go to IKEA. The Swedish brand indeed offers fully refund your Christmas tree (about 1m40). Even if the brand will not return you the 24.99 euros paid in hard coins, this amount is donated as a voucher (to be used before April 3, 2022). It is possible to order online, to reserve a tree base and even a tree bag. It is then sufficient to collect everything at the point of withdrawal in store.
  • Avoid buying your store in small stalls or garden centers (but there are exceptions). The most attractive prices are found in supermarkets. It is no coincidence that nearly a third of Christmas trees are bought in supermarkets or hypermarkets.
  • Botanic offers discounts. In the garden center sign, the Nordmann tree – between 1m50 and 1m75 – is sold 35.95 euros instead of 44.95 euros for people who hold the Botanic club card. It is always that taken!
  • Wait… You can also wait until the last minute to take advantage of on-line promotions or try to negotiate. In this case, it will be better to turn to roadside resellers or in supermarket parking lots, no doubt more inclined to lower their prices to get rid of the rest of their stock. Big downside: you may not have your tree until a few days before December 24. A bit of a shame … especially if you have children.

Nordmann, spruce … what type of fir to choose?

In most cases, you will have to choose between a well conical tree that does not lose its thorns but feels nothing or almost nothing, the Nordmann, or a tree that will become more bald on the passing days (lifespan: 3 weeks or less if the heating is too high) but which gives off a good smell of resin. We are talking about spruce here.

For reasons of practicality, 8 out of 10 natural fir trees are Nordmann. The trick is to buy a “fir” or “resin” room fragrance. and spray your Nordmann tree regularly to get the best of both worlds.

Tips for keeping your Christmas tree for a long time

Whatever happens, to keep your tree “fresh” as long as possible without losing its needles, it is advisable to make sure that the temperature of the room in which it is installed is not too high to prevent it from drying out. Do not put it next to a fireplace or near a heater to prevent the branches from pointing sadly downwards and the needles falling off en masse.

You can possibly install it outside first (a terrace, a balcony) and only bring it in the week of December 20 to make the most of it during the holidays. Potted firs keep better. Indeed, we can water them regularly … and give them a new life once the holidays are over. Everyone wins.

Florence Santrot is the editor of aufeminin. Geek and athletic, she has a particular appetite for tech and fitness / outdoor subjects. When she is not behind her screen, she runs …

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