Christmas tree buyers are being advised:

  • Don't buy your Christmas tree until you are ready to set it up. In many countries, such as France, the Christmas tree is not set up until Christmas Eve and taken down after 6 January.

  • After you bring your Christmas tree home, keep it in a cool place like an unheated garage, porch or patio until you are ready to bring it indoors.

  • Set it up in a cool area (less than 15 degrees) and as far away as possible from sources of heat including fireplaces, radiators and vents. This will prolong the life of the tree for the holiday season.

  • Place it in a water stand. Most Christmas tree sellers have these available. The stand has a wide base and bolts for giving the tree stability, and a basin for water to keep your tree fresh.

  • Just before standing your tree in the water stand, you should make a fresh saw-cut, straight across the stem, at least 3cm above the original cut. This fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water easily.

  • And when it comes to disposing of the tree in the New Year, check out your local County Council website for Christmas Tree Recycling locations near you.

    • Trees donated to Jack and Jill Foundation

    The Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association is also donating 500 four foot Irish grown Christmas trees to the Jack and Jill Foundation.

    The trees will given away by the charity on Saturday, 6 December at Leopardstown Racecourse and Newbridge Retail Park for an on the spot donation of €16. All the funds raised go to the charity with each €16 donation accounting for one hour of home nursing care for one Jack and Jill baby.