Which tree to choose?
If you are one of the first to install your tree, avoid spruce trees, which lose their needles quickly. They have the advantage of smelling stronger than other species, but they will be completely bare by Christmas. Opt for a Nordmann, the most robust variety. Don’t cut off its head either, it will waste away much faster. And if you want to keep it longer, opt for a potted tree. “But this only represents 5% of the market,” indicates this Ardennes producer. For the more resistant Nordmann, this is not justified, unless you wish to replant it. Difficult to find a natural tree at the moment. “The season doesn’t really start until the end of November. People are no longer waiting for Saint Nicholas. They want to enjoy it longer and don’t hesitate to spend a little more to have a beautiful tree.”
Traditional hot chocolate or “Hot Chocolate Bomb”: here is the recipe for a Christmas movie night!
Tips for keeping it as best as possible
To avoid having a faded tree on New Year’s Eve, do not bring the tree directly into the house after purchasing it. The ideal is to leave it in a cool place, such as the cellar or garage for 48 hours. Otherwise, the thermal shock with our interiors, which are often very heated, is too great. The second tip to follow is not to place the tree next to the window. Do not place it near the radiator either, this creature accustomed to extreme cold cannot stand the heat. If you have underfloor heating, it is best to insulate the location of the tree, to prevent it from capturing this heat…
And the artificial?
For those who have already installed their tree, the choice is made fairly quickly. Failing to see the trees already on the market, they have to fall back on an artificial version. Not very ecological? According to Bart Muys, professor at the University of Louvain, there is no possible discussion between a PVC tree from Asian countries and a spruce. “You should keep your artificial tree for at least twenty years before its carbon footprint becomes lower than that of a real tree.”he confided to our colleagues at Nieuwsblad. And for good reason, a study carried out in Canada in 2009 showed that an artificial Christmas tree emitted the equivalent of 8.1 kg of CO2 for its production and transport, compared to only 3.1 kg for a natural tree.
What about prices?
This year, just like in 2023, the abundant rains which fell on the country encouraged the growth of the fir trees. The quality will be exceptional, just like last year. To the great joy of producers who experienced a dark year in 2022 with a sharp decline in sales. But after absorbing rising production costs, they were forced to increase prices by 3 to 5 percent last year. But the rain did not only encourage the growth of the fir trees, it also made the work of the nurserymen more difficult. Indeed, waterlogged soils have slowed down work in the forest, requiring more hours to maintain crops. However, this labor has a cost that producers will have to pass on. Prices are expected to rise again by around 5%. But, when you love, you don’t count…
