THE REAL DEAL

BUDGET CHRISTMAS TREES THAT WON'T GIVE YOU THE NEEDLE, BY HANNAH STEPHENSON

- HANNAH STEPHENSON

THERE'S nothing like a real tree at Christmas, with the scent of pine and sense of tradition.

But too often people looking for a cheaper option will end up with a twiggy specimen with needles that look like they are going to drop before you even get the tree home.

So how can you make the right choice if you're on a budget?

Think about how much space you have, both in ceiling height and width, measuring up accurately, because the size you need will designate the cost.

There are various gradings of Christmas trees, with the premium-graded ones having that perfect traditional conical shape and full, uniform appearance.

But customers can find some fantastic 'second grade' trees it just takes a bit more time to hunt them down, says Andy Little, Christmas tree buyer for British Garden Centres.