Christmas Tree Size Guide

Christmas tree sizes might be quoted in either metric (metres and cm) or imperial (feet and inches) and they’re often stated in ranges rather than exact heights. To cut through the confusion we've put together a handy little comparison table for you, along with some key things to bear in mind and tips for finding the best tree for you and your home.

Meaning of Christmas Tree Heights in Practice

* We use slight approximations to align to the way tree sizes are quoted in the industry

Real Fresh Cut Christmas Trees

What Height of Christmas Tree should I Choose?

The average ceiling height in UK homes is 8 feet, so unless you have particularly high or vaulted ceilings, it’s normally prudent to choose a tree no taller than 6-7 feet (175-200cm). Balance is always important. A tree that’s too large will overwhelm the room, making it feel smaller and cramped. There’s nothing worse than getting a tree with a leading central stem that has to bend before it hits the roof because it’s too tall. Keep in mind that most Christmas tree stands add around 15cm (6 inches) to the height of your tree and your favourite tree-topping Christmas ornament is likely to add another 15cm (6 inches) too.

It’s sometimes easy to have a vision in our head of what we want a perfect Christmas tree to look like but in reality, the ideal Christmas tree is one that fits in the space you have, rather than the space you’d like to have. Deciding the right height of tree is an important first step, before beginning to think about how to decorate it.

What is the most Popular Christmas Tree Height?

In the UK, the most popular Christmas tree sizes are 5-6 feet (150-175cm) and 6-7 feet (175-200cm). 5-6 foot trees will fit comfortably in almost all rooms, even if your ceiling heights are on the slightly smaller side. 6-7 foot (175-200cm) trees will fill the space effectively in rooms around the average UK ceiling height of 8 feet. Around 7 million Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year and 75% of those are Nordman Fir trees.

Christmas Tree Width

Although it's industry-standard for Christmas trees to be measured by height only, width is equally important to consider in finding the right tree for your home, especially if it’s going into a tight space like a narrow corridor or passageway. Typically the taller the tree, the bushier and wider it will be at the base. But the width at the base also varies a lot by variety. For example, Fraser Fir Christmas trees have a naturally narrower shape, making them a good choice for smaller rooms. We also have a ‘slim shape’ aka ‘slim line’ version of Britain’s most popular tree, the Nordman Fir, which is clipped harder from year 5 onwards, producing a narrower tree that’s still ‘full’ at the top.

Width of Different Types of Christmas Tree

• Nordman Fir Christmas tree – wide base with conical shape, perfect for accommodating lots of presents.
• Norway Spruce Christmas tree – broad base and bushy habit with a more angled, triangular shape.
• Blue Spruce Christmas tree – similar or slightly narrower base to the Nordman Fir. Denser growth habit vertically with more compact branches but still needs a fairly large footprint.
• Fraser Fir Christmas tree – a more narrow, slender tree. Its branches are angled upwards at 45 degrees, producing a leaner stature that’s not too bushy. A good option for corridors or walkways, especially if you choose one of the smaller height options.
• Noble Fir Christmas tree – very wide at the base, perfect for bringing grandeur to medium to large size rooms. Symmetrical shape with whorled branches and flattened foliage. Taller Noble Firs require a large footprint.
• Nordman Fir Slim Shape Christmas tree - slimmer than the typical Nordman Fir, perfect for smaller spaces. Carefully pruned to maintain a compact, symmetrical tree that's still bushy and 'full' to the top of the tree.
• Lodgepole Pine Christmas tree – although the base is quite broad, the branches curl upwards and the ends of the steps aren’t too stiff. Fraser Fir is better for narrower corridors but it is possible to budge lodgepole pine trees up the corner a bit in a room that’s slightly on the smaller side. Be careful through because squashing your tree too far into a wall or corner will cause it to become unstable and liable to topple over.

Where to put your Christmas Tree

There are two schools of thought on the best place to put your Christmas tree. Some people would say it has to be in the first entrance room of your home, typically the hallway, so family, friends and other guests can see your tree when they first arrive. This can often work well if your hallway is large enough, though if it’s a little more cramped, your tree might end up getting in the way or (worse) end up getting knocked over by people or pet traffic.

Another option can be to put it in the room where you spend the majority of your time so that the tree becomes a focal point of your Christmas festivities. For most people, that would be the living room. Whatever room you choose, always remember to keep your tree away from heat sources such as radiators and open fires and check availability of electrical sockets to decorate your tree with your favourite Christmas tree lights.

Measuring Up

Once you’ve selected the spot for your Christmas tree, measure up and calculate how much space you have. Always measure the width as well as the height as it’s just as important.

Follow these steps when measuring up and choosing the height of your tree:

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees

1. Measure the distance between your floor and your ceiling and deduct 6 inches (15cm).
2. Check how much extra space you need for your favourite tree-topping star, angel or fairy. Deduct that from your measurement too. This will give you the maximum height of Christmas tree you should choose.
3. Measure the width of your floor space and deduct 1 foot from the measurement. To avoid your room looking cramped and avoid the risk of your tree getting knocked over, choose one that’s no wider than this.

Pot Grown Christmas Trees

Unlike other online Christmas tree retailers, the heights of our pot grown Christmas trees are quoted based on the height of the tree above the top of the pot.

1. Measure the height between your floor and ceiling. Deduct the extra height required for your favourite tree topper (if you plan to use one) and ideally another 6 inches so your pot grown tree isn’t right up to the roof. Deducting another 6 inches also provides some growing room if you’ll use the same tree in future years.
2. Take account for the height of the pot your pot grown Christmas tree will come in (which is not included in the advertised height of the tree). It’s best to allow 1.5 feet (45cm) for the height of the pot. This will give you the maximum height of the pot grown Christmas tree you should choose.
3. Measure the width of your floor space and deduct 1 foot from the measurement & bear this in mind too.

Why are Christmas Tree Heights advertised in size ranges?

All plant heights are quoted in ranges because the natural factors driving their growth are too difficult to control to deliver trees of an exactly uniform range of sizes. It would be impractical to measure the exact height of every tree so growers and retailers categorise trees based on bands spaced 30cm/1 foot apart.

Recap of Some Key Points

1. The typical British ceiling is 8 ft with larger ceilings of (often older) houses going up to 9-10ft.
2. Most Christmas tree stands will add around 6 inches (15cm) to the height of your tree. You'll also need to add whatever extra height is needed for your favourite angel, star or other ornament for the top of the tree.
3. Avoid the temptation of choosing a tree that's taller than you really need as you'll just end up having to cut off part of the base and remove some of the lower branches, which may spoil the shape of your tree. A tree that's too wide or too tall will ultimately make your room look smaller.
4. Don’t forget you’ll need a stepladder to decorate trees that are larger than about 2 metres (7 feet) tall.

Size Guide in Pictures

Contact Us for Advice

If you have any questions about the heights and sizes of our trees, or on any other topic, feel free to contact us at sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk or on 01782 502741 Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm. We'd be happy to help.

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