There’s nothing like the aroma of a real Christmas Tree. However, that’s not the only good reason for using a real tree. Growing Christmas trees also benefits the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases from the atmosphere and by emitting fresh oxygen. A real Christmas tree, which is a living resource, can be recycled after Christmas, but artificial trees are made of PVC and metal which cannot be recycled. Therefore, they have a negative impact on the environment, both during their manufacturing and after their use. During their lifetime, real Christmas trees provide habitats for forest animals and birds and all trees harvested are replaced which ensures sustained production without harming the forest environment. Most artificial trees are manufactured outside of Ireland while all Coillte Christmas trees are produced in Ireland with an Irish workforce.

Selection and Care
When you are selecting your Christmas tree always bear in mind where you are going to put your Christmas Tree. Make sure the size suits your home and the room you are going to put it into. For most modern homes a 6ft Christmas tree is very suitable.
Make sure it has a straight stem, even dense branches and a fresh colour. When you bring your Christmas tree home, cut an inch or two off the bottom of the stem and stand it outside in a bucket of water. Shake off any loose needles before you bring it inside and stand it in a special Christmas tree stand or in a bucket of wet sand with a water bowl to which you should add a pint of water daily. Try not to let the tree dry out as the base will re-seal itself and stop taking in water. Water is important as it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the branches from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant. Place the tree in the coolest part of the room away from fires and radiators.

Christmas Tree Safety
Make sure your tree is properly secured and positioned clear of doorways, stairs, heaters and open fires.
Christmas tree lights can be dangerous if not properly wired. Make sure they meet approved standards - I.S./EN 60598-2-20-1991 re. Lighting Chains for Christmas trees and similar decorative purposes for indoor use. Remember to unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the house or going to bed at night.

Tips for Decorating your Christmas Tree
Your Christmas tree is the focal point of your room and should be positioned carefully. Firstly, decide where you are going to put your tree and make sure that it is in a position where all the family can enjoy it without a danger of knocking it over! Then, match your tree to the space eg. if you have a large space, go for a fuller tree.
Ornaments: Choosing a dominant colour is becoming more popular which creates a theme for your tree. If your selection of ornaments is very varied, don’t feel you have to replace them all, you could just get a small selection of new items of the colour you wish to dominate eg. red, blue, silver or gold. The trend is also leaning against tinsel and more towards garlands or bows of the same colour.
Lighting: White or clear lights are very popular now compared to multi-coloured lights a few years ago. You could however, choose a set in one colour to co-ordinate with your ornaments. Always make sure the flex is green to blend into the tree rather than stand out! The amount of lights you use is entirely up to you - American websites recommend 100 per foot of tree - but Irish people tend to go for far less. The tip is to position the lights to emphasise the size and shape of the tree by trailing the lights back and forth across each layer of branch from top to bottom. For best effect position each bulb pointing upward and outward. Please be sure to read the Christmas Tree Safety Section.

Tips
Always put the lights on first, followed by the garlands or bows and then place the ornaments. Place the larger ornaments first and finish up with the smaller items. Always allow the ornaments to hang freely, not touching the branches beneath. Clustering several ornaments together can look really dramatic as can clustering ornaments of the same colour or shape.

Don’t forget to top your tree with a star or an angel!