Where To Buy a Real Christmas Tree (and How To Care For It)
Christmas is fast approaching and nothing beats the real deal
We all love that delightful pine scent which embodies Christmas. But by picking a British-grown tree, you’re also supporting local growers and businesses and opting for a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Real trees have a much lower carbon footprint than artificial ones. Plus, you can make finding the perfect tree into a fun and festive family day out – nothing like that chaotic scene in Deck The Halls.
Whether you’re a real Christmas tree veteran or an artificial tree lover who fancies a sustainable switch, preparation for the perfect tree starts before you leave the house. You’ll want to measure your doorways and the space in which you want your tree to stand proud (factoring in the pot or tree stand). The last thing you want is a falling tree like in that scene from Elf. Remember that chosen space needs to be away from a heat source! Cosying up by the fire or log-burner at Christmas is a must, but you’ll want to keep your tree away from them, and your radiators, if you want it to last.
Have you thought about what type of Christmas tree you’re searching for? The most popular species are Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce and Fraser Fir. The Norway Spruce gives off that Christmassy scent we adore, but beware of the dreaded shedded needles (watering it daily will help retain some of them). Nordmann and Fraser Firs generally retain far more of their needles. Fraser Fir is a good choice for smaller rooms, and Blue Spruce is generally less messy but also less aromatic. For more tree choices, the Douglas Fir is widely planted in the UK and welcomed at Christmas for its shape and dark colour. That goes for Scots Pine too. The White Pine is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to more fragrant trees.
Now you’ve chosen the perfect species, it’s time to find the perfect tree. Ask ‘O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches?’ Avoid signs of withering and shedding. Tap the tree trunk on the ground before you buy – if there are lots of falling needles, this tree isn’t for you. The needles should be dark green and waxy to the touch. Avoid any dry trees or those that aren’t shiny. Look at the spacing of the branches if you’re planning on going all-out with decorations. You might be supplied with a tree net to take your tree home but we suggest packing an old blanket to avoid a mess in the car. Some companies deliver.
Congrats! You’ve found your Christmas tree, but now what? Make sure it has plenty of fresh water, like you would for any fresh flowers in your home, and be sure to put it in a water-retaining stand. A fresh cut (at least half an inch) at the bottom means the tree can drink up the water. If you’re doing this yourself, don’t cut the tree base at an angle or in a V-shape, as this may make your tree unstable. Now, check the water every day and make sure it doesn’t dry out. Some trees can drink up to two or three pints of water every day!
That’s it! Your Christmas tree looks and smells amazing. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy it, and with these tips your tree should last all the way ‘til the New Year, then it’s a case of how to dispose of it. When a Christmas tree is disposed of efficiently it is 100 percent biodegradable. A lot of local councils recycle Christmas trees (some offering a kerb-side collection) to put them into composting to use in parks and flower beds. Local charities including St Oswald’s Hospice are also often keen to help with their own recycling services.
Broomhall Christmas Trees
This family-run business has been selling Christmas trees for more than 35 years and offers a great selection including Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and Norway Spruce, all ranging in heights up to a whopping 20ft. While a selection of their trees stay protected in their dedicated tree shed, you can take a look at their pre-cut trees in the viewing field.
Newcastle NE5 1NS
broomhallchristmastrees.com
Chopwell Wood
Visitors to Chopwell Wood this season can browse Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir trees in various sizes as well as Christmas wreaths. The Christmas trees will be available on selected days from 30th November to 14th December, and don’t miss their Christmas in the Pines event on 30th November and 1st December with stalls, live music, street food, Santa and a Christmas trail.
Rowlands Gill, Gateshead NE39 1LT
friendsofchopwellwood.org.uk
Cowell’s Garden Centre
With more than 40 years in the business, the team at Cowell’s Garden Centre know a thing or two about real Christmas trees. From Fraser and Nordmann Fir to pot grown Norway Spruce, there’s a fantastic variety of trees here. The team are also really helpful (and patient) as you search for the perfect tree, and have advice on how to care for yours. Join their Christmas wreath workshops throughout November to continue to festivities.
Main Road, Woolsington, Newcastle NE13 8BW
cowellsgc.co.uk
Croft Christmas Trees
Open from 15th November, Croft’s seasonal farm shop stocks a range of decorations, firewood, local produce and, most importantly in this instance, the region’s largest choice of freshly-cut and sustainably-grown Christmas trees from Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, and Blue Spruce to potted varieties. The team here can also offer advice on how to care for your chosen tree.
Grange Farm, Jolby Lane, Croft DL2 2TF
croftchristmastrees.com
Durham Christmas Trees
Pick your own tree at Heugh Hall Farm from 23rd November, or browse the freshly-cut Nordmann Fir trees (from five to 11ft) pot grown trees and stands). The PYO trees are cut down the day you take it home or on the day of delivery. A stroll through this plantation is always Christmassy and they even have a festive trail for the children around the Christmas tree field.
Heugh Hall Farm, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5NJ
durhamchristmastrees.co.uk
East Grange
When pumpkin picking season comes to an end, the Christmas barn comes to life at East Grange selling freshly-cut, locally-sourced Nordmann Fir trees, as well as handmade wreaths, decorations and stands. They get a new supply of trees cut and delivered each week so you can be assured they’re fresh when you visit.
High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2TB
eastgrange.com
Edelweiss Christmas Tree Co.
Celebrating 25 years of business next year, Edelweiss Christmas Tree Co. are reopening on 29th November.
Whether you’re looking for a Norway Spruce, Lodgepole Pine or Nordmann Fir, they’ll have the perfect tree for you. Why not collect some of their free off-cuts to make your own wreath at home?
Double Row, Seaton View House, Seaton Delaval NE25 0PP
instagram.com/edelweisschristmastrees
Meldon Park
From 23rd November right up to Christmas Eve Eve, visitors to Meldon Park can choose from a wide range of Christmas trees. You can cut your own Norway Spruce (on a first come, first-served basis) or the browse the pre-cut Nordmanns and pot-grown Norways. Then visit the Christmas shop for the perfect decorations for it, and handmade wreaths. Warm up with a hot drink in the Christmas Cabin.
Temple Thornton, Meldon, Morpeth
NE61 3SW
christmastreesatmeldonpark.co.uk
Northumberland Christmas Trees
Family-owned business Northumberland Christmas Trees offer delivery of Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce throughout Newcastle, Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland. Their locally-grown, hand-cut trees are available from five to 15ft.
northumberlandchristmastrees.co.uk
Northumbria Christmas Trees
Growers and suppliers of Nordmann Fir Christmas trees, this family-owned business based in Northumberland has more than a decade of experience and offers free delivery (on a day of your choice) of cut-to-order trees from Northumberland to Durham, and surrounding areas. Their freshly-cut trees are held at their retail outlet based at Callerton Garden Centre and are harvested from the last week of November, then the stock is replenished throughout December.
northumbria-christmas-trees.co.uk
Scott’s House Farm
Browse a a range of Nordmann, Spruce, Pine and Frazer Fir Christmas trees at Scott’s House Farm, from five to 14ft. They also stock wooden reindeer and snowmen to add to your festive decorations. Last year, they sold out by 10th December so you’ll want to act fast.
Newcastle Road, West Boldon NE36 0BE
scottshousexmastrees.co.uk
The Billingley Christmas Tree Farm
Growing thousands of real Christmas trees, The Billingley Christmas Tree Farm also offers the chance to visit Santa and meet their resident reindeer so you can make choosing your perfect tree a fun family day out. The team also offer the option to visit early and pre-select your Christmas tree ready for collection or delivery nearer to Christmas. This year they were runners up for the Best Nordmann Fir at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association awards.
Back Lane, Billingley, Barnsley S72 0JF
billingleychristmastrees.co.uk
Christmas Trees Harrogate
Based at Rudfarlington Farm, Christmas Trees Harrogate offer trees and wreaths as well as countless decorations in their Christmas Barn (which opens on 9th November this year). From 23rd November marvel at the giant tree and find your perfect conifer to take home.
Rudfarlington Farm, Wetherby Road, Knaresborough HG5 8LX
christmastreesharrogate.co.uk
Dalby Forest
From 30th November, choose from British-grown Normann Fir or Norway Spruce up to 10 feet tall at Dalby Forest. With 100 years of forestry experience, there are plenty of experts on hand to help you choose and all funds will go towards supporting Forestry England to maintain their forests.
Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
forestryengland.co.uk
East Riding Christmas Trees
Part of a family-run farming business, East Riding Christmas Trees sell locally-sourced Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce trees in a range of sizes, as well as stands and wreaths. Head along from 23rd November and your chosen tree will be trimmed, ready to slide into your stand.
Tithe Farm, North Ferriby, Hull HU14 3JJ
eastridingchristmastrees.co.uk
Newburgh Christmas Trees
Runners up for Best Norway Spruce at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association awards this year, Newburgh Christmas Trees offer a wide range of fresh trees for sale and the Christmas shop is packed with decorations and Christmas essentials including Fair Trade baubles, plus logs and kindling. Pick from their selection of non-drop Nordmann and Fraser Firs and Norway Spruce, as well as potted trees, all grown on the estate within a mile of Newburgh Priory.
Newburgh Priory Estate, Coxwold, York YO61 4AS
newburghchristmastrees.co.uk
Newsholme Christmas Trees
This family-run business have been supplying Christmas trees for more than two decades, and now nurture more than 30,000. They’re running an opening weekend on 16th and 17th November with local stall holders, and from those dates visitors can head to the farm to choose their perfect tree.
Warp Farm, Newsholme, Goole DN14 7JS
newsholmechristmastrees.co.uk
Raby Castle
From 28th November until 24th December, Raby are offering a variety of freshly-cut Christmas trees, from the fragrant Nordmann Fir to the classic Norway Spruce, in various sizes. If you loved the stunning Christmas trees at Living North’s Christmas Fair in October, you’ll love this selection. You can make a day of it and visit The Vinery for lunch, browse Christmas gifts in the Coach House Shop and let the kids run wild in The Plotters’ Forest – an immersive outdoor playground in the Christmas Tree Plantation.
Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3NF
raby.co.uk
Ripponden Christmas Tree Farm
With a plantation of around 7,000 Christmas trees (with 75 percent of that selection being Nordmann Firs), Ripponden Christmas Tree Farm also sell Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and Fraser Fir trees. Enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie while you choose, and the team are also happy to offer advice on conifer care.
Hole Head Farm, Eccles Parlour, Ripponden HX6 4NU
rippondenchristmastreefarm.com
The Sheffield Christmas Tree Company
Open from 16th November, then every day until lunchtime on Christmas Eve for those last-minute shoppers, The Sheffield Christmas Tree Company will once again have thousands of trees to choose from. Visit on the opening weekend to reserve yours for delivery or collection from 18th November. Make it a full family day out and bring your four-legged friend along (on a lead).
Dungworth, near Stannington S6 6GW
thesheffieldchristmastreecompany.co.uk
Stockeld Park Estate
Stockeld Park Estate grows oodles of non-needle drop Nordmann Fir Christmas trees and you can either head along from 23rd November to choose your own, or purchase from the warmth of your home and have yours delivered.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN
christmas-tree-delivery.co.uk
Woolley Edge Christmas Tree Farm
Woolley Edge Christmas Tree Farm have been selling thousands of Christmas trees since 2003, and this year will open to visitors from 22nd November. But if you can’t wait ’til then, on 9th and 10th and 16th and 17th November, you can head to the plantation or ride over on the Tree Train to choose and tag your tree, then return closer to the big day to watch your tree being cut down. Whilst you’re there, browse the Christmas shop for wreaths, lights, tree stands and home decorations.
Beacon Hill Farm, Woolley Edge, Wakefield WF4 2LQ
woolleyedgechristmastreefarm.co.uk
York Christmas Trees
This award-winning business has been a go-to for Christmas trees for more than 25 years, with a forestry expert on hand to give advice and a Christmas Barn for shopping. Impressively, they supplied 10 Downing Street’s Christmas tree in 2020. Opening from 22nd November this year, trees in a variety of species from three to 30 feet will be on sale at their farm.
Wigginton Lodge, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
yorkchristmastrees.co.uk
