A Guide to Christmas Trees: Origins, Varieties & How to Care for Yours

Nothing marks the start of the festive season quite like the scent of a real Christmas tree filling your home. Whether you’re a long-time traditionalist or choosing your very first one, here’s everything you need to know about where Christmas trees come from, which varieties are best, and how to care for yours to keep it looking fresh throughout the holidays.

And of course, all of these beautiful trees are available right here at Brick Kiln Garden Centre – along with friendly, expert advice to help you choose the perfect one.

Where Did Christmas Trees Originate?

The modern Christmas tree as we know it began in Germany during the 16th century, when families brought fir trees indoors and decorated them with candles, nuts and handmade ornaments. The custom eventually spread across Europe and became popular in Britain thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who famously displayed a decorated tree at Windsor Castle. From there, the Christmas tree quickly became a festive staple around the world.

Our Most Popular Christmas Tree Varieties

🎄 Norway Spruce (Cut)

The classic, traditional Christmas tree.

Appearance: Rich green foliage and that iconic festive scent.
Best for: Customers who love a traditional look and fragrance.
Needle retention: Will drop needles faster indoors, so perfect for those who put their tree up nearer Christmas Day.

🎄 Nordman Fir (Non-Drop)

Our popular non-drop variety.

Appearance: Glossy, deep green needles that are soft to the touch.
Best for: Families, pets, and anyone wanting a longer-lasting tree.
Needle retention: Excellent, thanks to its slow-drying, waxy needles.

🎄 Pot-Grown Norway Spruce

A beautiful, eco-friendly choice.

Appearance: Naturally shaped, rooted trees ideal for smaller spaces.
Best for: Customers looking to replant after Christmas or enjoy a tree that can be used year after year.
Needle retention: Excellent, as the roots remain intact.

🎄 Pot-Grown Blue Spruce

A striking and beautifully coloured festive favourite.

Appearance: Distinctive silvery blue needles with a dense, symmetrical shape.
Best for: Customers wanting a tree with bold colour, strong branches for heavier decorations and the option to replant after Christmas.
Needle retention: Excellent, as the roots remain intact – helping the tree stay fresher for longer indoors.

Christmas Tree Care:

Every customer receives a Christmas Tree Care Leaflet from us at the time of purchase at Brick Kiln, but here’s a quick overview:

Cut 2cm off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in a stand.
Keep your tree outdoors in a cool, sheltered place until you’re ready to decorate.
Position away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or fires.
Use a water-holding stand and top it up daily—real trees are surprisingly thirsty!

These simple steps will keep your tree fresher for longer.

After Christmas: What to Do With Your Tree

When the festivities are over, consider one of these eco-friendly options:

♻️

Mulch

Chip your tree for use around the garden.

🌱

Compost

Cut into smaller pieces for home composting.

🌲

Replant (Pot-Grown Trees)

If you bought a pot-grown Norway Spruce, you can replant it outdoors for future use.

🚛

TreeCycle With St Wilfrid’s Hospice

St Wilfrid’s offers a tree collection and recycling service for a suggested £15 donation.

All proceeds help the hospice to continue providing expert, compassionate care to people with life-limiting illnesses within our local community.

TreeCycle 2026 – St Wilfrid’s Hospice

Very good size garden centre that will have everything you could possibly need. There is a massive stock of plants and tree's aswell as a large stock of pots with great designs. Inside the garden centre has loads of indoor plants, seeds and tools. There is also a cafe which I was unable to visit but its nice to have the option to have some food and warm drink. The car park is a great size.

Nice garden centre. Lively and popular with plenty of plants. The Garden Cafe, on a Sunday lunchtime, extremely busy - you need to book a table ahead of your arrival.

With friends we enjoyed a celebratory high tea. The choices of sandwiches n cake were delicious and all the Staff looked after us really well. A very happy Team. Many thanks.

Great garden centre with lots of different items and there is plenty of parking. Cafe was good with lots on the menu and the cakes looked amazing. The staff were really friendly and helpful. Definitely looks like it's very popular and would recommend

We received a voucher in the post for a buy one get one free Cream Tea and decided to use the voucher today. What a lovely cream tea we had with warmed scones, clotted cream, jam and tea 0f our choice in a nice clean atmosphere.. keep up the good work.. we'll be back again soon

Such a beautiful garden centre. All plants look in great condition. We ate in the cafe and the food was amazing. We will return again soon.

MONDAY	09:00 - 17:30
TUESDAY	09:00 - 17:30
WEDNESDAY	09:00 - 17:30
THURSDAY	09:00 - 17:30
FRIDAY	09:00 - 17:30
SATURDAY	09:00 - 17:30
SUNDAY	09:00 - 16:30

MONDAY	09:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY	09:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY	09:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY	09:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY	09:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY	09:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY	09:00 - 16:30

A Guide to Christmas Trees: Origins, Varieties & How to Care for Yours

Where Did Christmas Trees Originate?

Our Most Popular Christmas Tree Varieties

Christmas Tree Care:

After Christmas: What to Do With Your Tree

Download the
Brick Kiln Rewards app

Reviews

Opening Times

How to find us

A Guide to Christmas Trees: Origins, Varieties & How to Care for Yours

Where Did Christmas Trees Originate?

Our Most Popular Christmas Tree Varieties

Christmas Tree Care:

After Christmas: What to Do With Your Tree

Download theBrick Kiln Rewards app

Reviews

Opening Times

How to find us

Download the
Brick Kiln Rewards app