Fresh Christmas Trees in St Ives, Hemingford Grey and Houghton
The freshest tree in the world will still struggle if it spends its first evening propped against a wall. In St Ives, Hemingford Grey and Houghton, our trees arrive as little as two days after cutting. What happens in the next 24 hours decides how they look on Christmas morning. Here is a calm, simple routine for that first day.
What Should You Do in the First 24 Hours?
| When | What to do |
|---|
| Before delivery | Choose a spot away from radiators and fires, and set up a water-holding stand. |
| On arrival | Stand the tree straight away and fill the reservoir to the top. |
| After an hour | Remove the netting carefully from the bottom up and let the branches open. |
| That evening | Check the water again. A fresh tree can drink a surprising amount on day one. |
| Next morning | Top up the reservoir, then add lights and decorations once the branches have settled. |
Why Is the First Day So Important?
When a tree is cut, the base of the trunk begins to seal over with sap. Getting it into water quickly keeps it drinking freely. Our trees are cut late in the season and collected by our team every day in December, so they reach you full of moisture. The first day is about keeping it that way.
Let us do the lifting
Our tree preparation service places the tree, removes the netting and leaves it standing securely.
Ask for a fresh cut
Our optional fresh trunk-cutting service helps the tree drink freely from day one.
Which Trees Handle Riverside Homes Best?
Older cottages near the river can be cool and slightly damp, while newer homes around St Ives tend to be warm and dry. Premium Nordmann Fir copes well with both when it is watered daily. For an outdoor tree by the front door, Norway Spruce Tree is supplied for outdoor use only and enjoys the cooler air.
For more advice beyond the first day, see our Tree Care Tips.
Where Are the St Ives Delivery Details?
Delivery areas, sizes and prices for St Ives and the nearby villages are on our main Real Christmas Tree Delivery Saint Ives page. Delivery is free to most St Ives postcodes.
Fresh Christmas Trees in St Ives FAQs
What is the most important thing to do when my tree arrives?
Get it into water as soon as you can. A freshly cut tree drinks most in its first day or two, so fill the stand reservoir straight away and check it again that evening.
Should I recut the trunk?
A fresh cut helps the tree take up water. Ask about our optional fresh trunk-cutting service when you order, and we can do this for you on delivery.
When should I put the lights on?
Give the branches a few hours to drop and settle after the netting comes off. Most people decorate the same evening or the next day.
How often should I water the tree?
Check the reservoir every day and top it up before it runs dry. Never let the water level fall below the base of the trunk.
Order a Fresh Tree for Your St Ives Home
Browse All Christmas Trees and book online, or call 07885 730150 to check delivery dates for your St Ives postcode.
Fresh Christmas Trees and Extras for St Ives
Every tree here is collected fresh by our team every day in December and delivered as little as two days after cutting.