Whether you have your Christmas tree up already, waiting for a few more weeks or you don’t even want to contemplate putting it up until the middle of December, decorating your Christmas tree is a task that many people look forward to and enjoy doing, especially those with attention to detail. If you strive to create a visually attractive tree like the ones you see in magazines, online or on TV, the following article is packed with expert tips on how to decorate it like a professional. Play your favourite Christmas songs and get decorating!

Choose The Perfect Tree

Professional decorating begins with the perfect base. If you are putting up an artificial tree, opt for a traditional style as it wouldn’t go out of fashion for years to come. On the other hand, if your household enjoys the annual trip to the tree farm and handpicking a real one, ensure its the right height, the branches are evenly distributed and it has a healthy green hue. For more information, have a read of our guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree. 

Decide On A Theme

To achieve a professional look, a Christmas must have a central look to tie the decorations together so decide on a theme that resonates with your home or style. Examples of popular themes include traditional, neutral or you can get more creative with a woodland or retro theme. You can also decide on a coloured theme such as red and gold, white and silver or multi-coloured. 

Start With The Lights

Once you have fluffed up or separated your tree branches, it’s ready for decorating. Start with the string lights first because it is more difficult to do this when the ornaments are added. Additionally, the type of lights can make a difference, we recommended using white or clear LED lights to create a neutral base. Make sure to check all lights are in good working condition. There is no correct way of hanging string lights, once the plug reaches the socket. Some start weaving them at the bottom and work their way up or vice versa. Another way is hanging them vertically to avoid having to go around the tree.

Invest In Statement Ornaments

This is where your chosen theme comes to life. Invest in a few statement ornaments that harmonise the theme, rather than overcrowding the tree with random ornaments. Place larger ornaments in central places and spread them out. Add smaller ornaments and baubles to fill up any gaps. This creates a balanced and professional look. Position delicate or personalised ornaments higher up the tree so they are out of reach from little hands and pets. Don’t forget to add the most important ornament, the big star or angel at the top! Alternatively, opt for a bow or snowflake as a non-traditional option. 

Add A Tree Skirt

Never underestimate the addition of a tree skirt. Choosing one that matches your theme contributes to the overall appearance. There are many different styles to choose from including wicker, crushed velvet, faux fur or metal. Tree skirts are made to conceal unsightly pots or tree stands or wires, making them the ideal base for Christmas presents.

Layer With Ribbons

The decorations can stop here, but if you’re looking to add extra elegance, layer it with matching ribbons or tinsel. Select ones with wire edges so you have more control over the shape. While some people think ribbons and tinsel look tacky, the key is not to overdo it. Stick to one or two well-matched colours and drape them gracefully for a cohesive finish.

Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree At Weston Sawmill

So there you have it – your guide to turning your Christmas tree into a professionally decorated showstopper! Remember, it’s not just about achieving a picture-perfect tree, it’s about enjoying the process and even getting the whole family involved. If you are planning a trip to the tree farm soon, make sure to visit Weston Sawmill toward the end of November. From Nordmann Fir to Norway Spruce variations, your perfect Christmas tree will be waiting for you. Read our Christmas tree guide for more information. Our Christmas shop will also be open for festive gifts, ornaments and decorations. 
Be the first to know when our Christmas trees are available and more about our Christmas shop opening, follow our Facebook page today.

It’s around that time of the year again, when homeowners start to prepare their gardens for winter. They make sure to prune their gardens, move delicate plants from outdoors to a greenhouse or conservatory, store away garden furniture, power wash their decking and driveways, as well as rack and mow their lawns. 

However one part of the garden that often has less attention or is completely neglected is timber fencing. The combination of cold temperatures, moisture and strong winds can take a huge toll on timber fencing – rotting, warping or other damage. Unfortunately, timber fencing can’t be easily taken up and moved inside the same way as delicate plants or garden furniture. Instead, we’ll take you through the crucial steps of protecting your timber fencing from the harsh winter ahead. 

Trim Back 

If you have any hedges or trees beside your timber fencing, they may be overgrown and in need of a trim. Storms can cause branches to drop, break or fall. Overhanging branches or overgrown hedges can cause rubbing against the wood and cause scratches or damage.

Inspect, Repair & Wash 

Before winter, it’s a good idea to inspect your timber fencing first. Look out for any loose posts, boards, nails or rotten wood. If you spot any of these issues, it’s essential to repair them. Replace any nails or loose boards with new ones and ensure they are secured properly. Finally, use a pressure washer on a lower setting or a garden hose with a spray nozzle to give it a thorough wash and remove any cobwebs, leaves, dirt and algae. To remove green patches of algae, rub it with equal amounts of bleach and water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Apply A Protective Finish

Once your timber fencing is clean, dry and in good condition, it can be applied with a protective finish. You can choose from various options such as wood stains, paints or wood preservatives. These finishes add an extra layer of protection from the harsh weather and enhance the appearance of your fencing. 

If there is any flaking or peeling paint, make sure to scrape it down beforehand with a scraper and smooth it down with sandpaper to achieve an even result. Apply the finish during dry conditions so it dries down nicely. Don’t forget to cover the ground below the areas where you’ll be painting with a plastic sheet or an old bedsheet, this will prevent stains from any dripping or splattering paint.

Regular Maintenance

A freshly painted fence shouldn’t be left to deflect the winter on its own, it still needs some regular maintenance. Make sure the base of your timber fencing is clear of debris and leaves. Collected debris can trap moisture against the wooden posts, leading to a weakened or rotted base. A pile of snowfall also contains moisture and can damage the wood over time. 

If you experience heavy snowfall, use a soft brush to clear the majority of snow on and around your fencing. Be sure to avoid using salt or chemical de-icers on your fencing as this can be harmful to the wood and the protective finish. Storms are the biggest enemy for fencing as it can cause significant damage. After every storm, inspect your fencing again, keep a look out for loose boards, nails or leaning posts and get them fixed yourself or by a professional.

Pressure-Treated Timber Fencing At Weston Sawmill

If your current timber fencing has been recently damaged from a storm or looks like it needs to be replaced, it might be time to replace it with new timber fencing. At Weston Sawmill, we supply pressure-treated wooden panel fencing such as close board and trellis options, round poles, half round poles and sawn timber for both domestic and commercial applications around Shropshire, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. Pressure-treated fencing means the wood has undergone a preservation process which increases its longevity, makes it low-maintenance and ideal for the winter period.

Visit our lumber yard in Weston-Under-Lizard, Shropshire to view our fencing products. We also offer premium, made-to-measure fencing as well as free local and nationwide delivery. For more information on our products, please contact us.