The Christmas tree should be a central part of your festive celebrations.

However, with such a vast range of both real and artificial trees available, it can be difficult to make the right choice. Michelle Higgs helps you see the wood for the trees.

The choice of Christmas tree for your home is a very personal decision. Some people will only ever choose a real Christmas tree, year after year. Some people prefer the convenience of an artificial tree, ready and waiting in the loft.

Others mix and match, alternating between the two. Whichever type of Christmas tree customer you are, there will always be a tree to suit you and your home.

Traditional, real Christmas trees

Nothing quite beats the smell, look and feel of a real Christmas tree and going to buy the tree is part of the experience. For a long-lasting tree, choose one fresh from the field at one of the many Christmas tree farms in your area. You can find your nearest by visiting the British Christmas Tree Growers Association's website at www.christmastree.org.uk. The Association's members grow trees to a specified standard so you are always guaranteed a high quality tree in top condition.

Types of real Christmas tree

There are many different varieties of real Christmas tree to choose from, depending on the shape and size of tree you're looking for. Four of the most popular are the Norwegian or Norway spruce, the blue spruce, the Nordmann fir and the Fraser fir. The Norwegian or Norway spruce is one of the UK's traditional varieties with a lovely pine fragrance. For natural colour, the blue spruce has a beautiful shape but has poor needle retention. Blue spruces therefore need to be potted and watered regularly when inside the house. The Nordmann fir is known for good needle retention so it is ideal for centrally-heated homes. The Fraser fir has excellent needle retention and a superb, layered appearance, making it perfect for decorating.

Care of real Christmas trees

A real Christmas tree should be treated like any other plant brought into a warm environment. It should be placed away from direct heat in a water-holding stand or in a bucket wedged with small stones or screwed up newspaper. Like any other plant, your Christmas tree will need water and lots of it. The stand or bucket should be kept topped up with water every day to give the tree the best chance of survival. If properly looked after, your tree could last up to four weeks.

If you have bought either a root-balled tree or a tree with bare roots, it's possible that it could survive if planted out in your garden after Christmas. Alternatively, please remember that you can usually recycle your Christmas tree at your local refuse site.

The artificial alternative

If you don't have the time to look after a real Christmas tree or you can't stand the thought of needles dropping on the floor, then an artificial Christmas tree would suit you best. With the wide range of artificial trees available, your tree can look just as good as the real thing. Always spend as much as you can afford, as a high quality, artificial Christmas tree should last for years to come.

This year, in the world of artificial Christmas trees, it's all about colour. Gone are the days when a green tree was the only choice. Now you can make a statement with a stunning teal-coloured tree, go for classic white or create a talking point with a tree in striking black. These new colours create lots of exciting opportunities for decorating themes so let your imagination run riot!

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association www.christmastree.org.uk

The Cotswold Company 0870 550 2233

www.CotswoldCo.com

IKEA 0845 355 1141

www.IKEA.co.uk

John Lewis 0845 604 9049

www.johnlewis.com

Lakeland Limited 01539 488100

www.lakelandlimited.co.uk

Woods Farm, Solihull 0121 733 2633

www.woodsfarm.co.uk

1. Faux leaves and berries decorate this unusual cranberry tree structure which would look striking arranged as a pair: £24.95 each, The Cotswold Company.

2. This beautiful rattan Christmas tree has an array of shimmering golden lights: £29.99, Lakeland Limited.

3. This unusual slender 6ft teal-coloured tinsel tree is sure to create a talking point in any home: £50; decorations from £2 each, John Lewis.

4. Make an unusual Christmas tree on a blank wall using the GLANSA N light chain, which includes 80 bulbs: £9.99, IKEA.

5. Choose the Nordmann fir if you're looking for a real Christmas tree with good needle retention. Picture courtesy of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

6. The Norwegian or Norway spruce is the UK's best-selling traditional Christmas tree. Picture courtesy of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

7. The blue spruce is great for adding a bit of colour to your festivities. Picture courtesy of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

8. The Fraser fir is an ideal Christmas tree for decorating as it has a layered appearance. Picture courtesy of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association.