PINES AND NEEDLES

After all the fun of decking the tree, no one wants drooping branches and dropped needles. Here's how to keep yours looking good for longer

- THEA BABBINGTON-STITT

We've been bringing evergreens indoors for thousands of years, to celebrate the winter solstice and since the 16th century, when Christmas trees became popular in Germany, to decorate our homes for the festive season. Back then, the fresh firs didn't have to cope with the drying effects of central heating, so here's a 21st-century pines and needles survival guide.

PICK YOUR TREE CAREFULLY

'Healthy trees will have a shiny, glossy green coating on the needles, which feels slightly waxy to touch,' says Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres. You should also look for strong branches and good needle retention, unless you want to be cleaning up dropped decorations and needles non-stop.