But, if you want to keep it fresh throughout the festive period without dropping heaps of needles, there are a few necessary steps to take to prevent your Christmas tree from drying out.

Whether you have one or several, or plan to plant your first fruit ... you have a water source for irrigation during the dry summer. Fruit trees, especially during the first four to five years ...

"This fig tree requires minimal supplemental watering and thrives on natural rainfall," says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson and Perkins. "It is ideal for warm, dry climates with full sun ...