Where to buy a real Christmas tree in Singapore

Is it really Christmas without a tree? But as much as artificial trees make for practical and reusable options, there’s nothing like the real deal and the scent of fresh pine to usher in the holiday cheer. They do, however, take a little more care than the plastic ones. Below, check out some basic care tips, and where to shop for a live Christmas tree in Singapore.

Types of Christmas firs

Christmas tree varieties include the Noble fir, Nordmann fir, Douglas fir, Grand fir, Fraser fir, and Balsam fir.

The most commonly sold Christmas tree in Singapore is the Noble fir, which boasts soft blue-green needles and a rich fresh fir fragrance. It’s native to the Pacific Northwest and is more durable and suited for our climate. There’s also the Nordmann fir, which has good needle retention qualities and a light scent, making it a better choice for those with sensitive noses.

Care tips

• Place your Christmas tree in cold water once you get home or when it’s delivered to you. The water level shouldn’t go below the base of the tree.
• Keep mozzies at bay by adding mosquito-repellent dunks or granules.
• Keep your tree away from heat sources, direct sunlight and the air-conditioner to prevent it from drying out.
• Use low heat-producing lights. Mini lights help in delaying the drying of the fir tree.
• Turn off any decorative lights when you’re leaving the house to prevent accidental fires.
• Check tree lights for missing or broken bulbs, and make sure wires and extension cords are not frayed or overloaded.
• Mist your fir tree with cold water in the morning to help it keep fresh and fragrant. If lighting decorations aren’t waterproof, you’ll have to take them off before misting the tree.

Where to get a real Christmas tree in Singapore

1. Far East Flora

Think flowers and plants and wholesaler Far East Flora comes to mind. And as Christmas approaches, you’ll find it filled with fine firs, too, with pre-orders available now. This season, it’s stocked up on Noble firs, and is running an early bird special from now till Nov 30, 2024.

It also usually sells festive bouquets and arrangements, wreaths and Christmas hampers when the season rolls around.

Prices: From $169 for a 4 to 5ft tree to $743 for a 9 to 10ft tree. Prices are inclusive of a tree stand. Delivery fees are from $33 (up to 8/9ft), and from $55 (up to 9/10ft). Surcharges for restricted and special zones apply.

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

2. Sing See Soon

This Christmas, wholesale flower and landscaping specialist Sing See Soon has stocked hybrid firs, which according to its website, combine the ‘lush fullness and vibrant green of a Douglas fir, the strong, sturdy branches of a Noble fir, and the soft, fragrant needles of a Balsam fir’. It supposedly also supports heavy ornaments and stays fresh for longer.

When it’s time to say goodbye to your tree, Sing See Soon also offers a disposal service priced from $50.

Prices: From $259 for a 4 to 5ft tree, to $1,499 for a 12 to 14ft tree. $40 delivery fee for islandwide delivery, including Sentosa and Marina Bay.

Visit its website to shop or for more information. Sing See Soon is at 5 Simei Lane, Singapore 528710, and 32 Punggol Road East #01-02, Singapore 828824.

3. Candy Floriculture

Popular local wholesale florist Candy Floriculture has imported Noble firs and Nordmann firs, all sprayed with a fire-retardant treatment. The tree stand is included (on loan) as well as tree disposal services (from $33).

You can also browse ornaments and artificial wreaths to deck your home in jolly splendour.

Prices: From $217 for a 4 to 5ft tree, to $2,724 for a 11 to 12ft tree

Visit its website to shop or for more information.

4. Ji Mei Flower

Wholesaler Ji Mei Flower has procu Noble and Nordmann firs from the US that range from 3ft to 12ft in height, which are scheduled to arrive in mid-November. Upon ordering, you can opt to select your own tree three to five days before the delivery, or opt to have Ji Mei Flower choose it for you. The trees are sold without stands, which are available from $38.

Prices: From $150 for a 4 to 5ft tree to $1295 for an 11 to 12ft tree. Table top trees (3 to 4ft) are at $99. Early bird specials are on till Nov 30, 2024.

Ji Mei Flower is at 5 Joan Road, Singapore 298898. Visit its website to shop or for more information.

5. The Green Corner by Prince’s Landscape

It’s a fuss-free process when you get your tree from plant nursery The Green Corner, which offers free delivery, set-up, dismantling, and disposal. Plus, each tree purchase gets you two free poinsettias (while stocks last), and you get a tree stand on loan.

For an additional fee, you can also opt for a fire-retardant coating that reduces the risk of combustion. The Green Corner promises that the coating is transparent, nearly odourless, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally friendly.

It promises that its trees, shipped from Oregon, USA, are also sustainably farmed.

Prices: From $269 for a 4ft tree to $3,109 for a 12ft tree.

Visit its website to shop or for more information. The Green Corner is at 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998.

6. Cold Storage

Supermarket chain Cold Storage doesn’t just have a bevy of delicious Christmas goodies (think turkey, ham and cakes) and bundles, you can pick up Noble firs, too. Sourced from the US, they range from 5 to 8ft in height.

Prices: From $149 for a 5 to 6ft tree, to $199 for a 7 to 8ft tree. Pre-orders and delivery details are available from Nov 1, 2024.

Visit Cold Storage’s website to shop or for more information. Self-collection is not applicable for pre-ordered trees.

This article was first published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.