The perfect pine tree should be growing straight, with proper green needles and evenly spaced out branches. The average tree is 1.70 meters high and costs approximately 24 Euro.„We notice a desire for the perfect tree“, said Martin Rometsch of the Federal Association of Christmas tree suppliers.

„The top quality is quickly sold out, usually.“ B and C quality trees can still be positioned smartly in a corner of a room. Currently, unusual trees with three tops are popular too. There is also a trend when it comes to a second tree for the balcony or the garden.

One third of Christmas trees are sold at farms, in the supermarket or in the DIY store or in discounters as well as on the street. Online purchases are also on the rise at the moment, but remain a small number still.

Once you found the tree of your dreams, you need to get it home. Keep in mind: If you strap the tree onto the roof of your car, it changes the driving characteristics of your car. Make sure that it cannot slip or even fall off while driving. The tree must be positioned with the stem forward and cannot hang over the end of the wind screen.

If the tree is longer than the car by one meter, it needs to be marked with a red flag of 30 x 30 centimetres. More than 1.50 meter excess are not permitted. If you transport the tree in the car, you can turn down the back seats and put it in stem first. Make sure it is secured properly with straps or ropes.

Approximately 85 percent of trees offered in Germany come from agricultural areas, which underlie the same rules in regard to fertilisers and pesticides as the conventional agriculture. FSC certified trees guarantee that they have not been fertilised or covered in pesticides intensively.

Also, Christmas tree cultures are not allowed to replace other agricultural areas. The „Bio-Siegel“ also means that the tree is trustworthy in regards to sustainability. Trees must not necessarily be felled, they can also be bought in a pot.

Make sure that the tree stands properly in the pot and that the proportions are correct. Also, keep an eye on the pine needles. Obviously, brown and dry needles are not a good sign. Pine trees that are cut out should not be bought. Usually pine trees prefer colder weather and should not be placed inside too soon.

Inside, it should have a bright position and should be watered every two to three days. As opposed to the cut tree the one in the pot should not be inside for more than a few days.

People who suffer from asthma should reconsider if they want to put up a tree inside their home. Many trees carry mildew, which can spread fast in warmer places. They can cause itchy eyes and noses, airways irritation and headaches. If you still want a real tree, leave it outside until the last minute and and shake it properly before bringing it in.

With a leaf blower you can remove some of the allergens. The stem can be rubbed with an oxidising bleach. This should not be done by the allergy sufferer him/herself obviously. Remember that an artificial tree, brought up from the cellar year after year, should be dusted down properly.

One person overloads the tree with decorations, the next might prefer more spaced out bling and baubles. Experts suggest to plan between ten and twenty elements per quarter of a meter in height, according to the diameter of the tree.

If you also decorate the tree branches nearer the stem, you create an impression of depth. Alternate shiny and matt baubles, which makes for a pleasant optical impression.

Many trees end up in the rubbish after Christmas. That’s not necessary though. The pine trees can be recycled in many ways. Stronger branches can be used as little resting points for birds or pets who like to climb.

Many outdoor parks, zoos, and forestries are happy to take the old trees too - as toys or feed for animals, like elephants, camels or deer. In the garden, old pine tree branches can protect flower beets and pots from frost.

If you have a shredder, you can use the material as mulch too. Not every tree is good for this though - make sure that you use only certified trees, especially if you spread the remains of them over fruit or vegetables beets.

Original text: GA Translation: Mareike Graepel