04 December 2023 , 13:58
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The tree known as "Britain's most famous" Christmas tree has been put up in the middle of London's Trafalgar Square - but some aren't happy with how "dead" the tree seems to be.
Every year, a Norwegian spruce tree is gifted to the people of the UK by the city of Oslo, Norway, as a token of Norway's gratitude for the UK's assistance during World War II. This year's tree arrived in the capital on Monday morning and was swiftly put up in the iconic square, but people on social media were left questioning its wilted appearance as they asked whether the tree was supposed to look "quite dead".
People were concerned the tree looked 'dead' (dan barker/X)
But when it was felled in Norway it looked magnificent (NTB/AFP via Getty Images)Pictures of the tree were shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by Dan Barker (@danbarker) who first posted a picture at 7:30 am on Monday, December 4, of the tree arriving on the back of a vehicle. He wrote alongside the picture: "The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree has arrived, ready to be put up!"
He then also shared pictures of cranes in place at Trafalgar Square ready to hoist up the tree, as well as a few snaps of the tree once it had been positioned on its stand. However, the tree initially appeared to be completely flat on one side as though its branches had all been squashed or broken, and parts of it appeared to have turned brown, leaving commenters on social media wondering if the tree was dead.
One concerned commenter posted: "Is it me, or does it look quite dead?", which prompted Dan to respond: "It'll perk up - it's had a long journey!"
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Another person jokingly wrote: "Each year it feels like this is a visual representation of the state of the nation. This year is 'meh, could be better, could be worse'," while someone else said it should be "sent back" to Norway so that another one could be sent in its place. They posted: "They are taking the p**s, that ain’t a Christmas tree. Well, it is, but it's not what we expect. Send it back!"
Some wondered where the 'other half' of the tree was (dan barker/X)
But after a 'branch transplant' the tree was looking much healthier (dan barker/X)Other commenters said the tree already looked "jaded" and insisted they were "worried" about the state of the spruce, while more lighthearted posts asked where the "other half" of the tree had gone.
Those concerned about the tree need not worry though, as it turns out the spruce undergoes a "transplant" of sorts to revitalise its branches and make it appear full again. Sharing further pictures with The Mirror, Dan explained there were "extra branches" on the floor next to the tree when it was being put up, which were then attached to the tree later on, while other branches were "redistributed from the bottom" to fill in gaps further up the plant.
The final result means the tree looks fit and healthy and is now ready to help the UK celebrate the festive season in style.