When to go
Most UK Christmas tree farms open in the last week of November or the first weekend of December and sell trees until a few days before Christmas. Going early gets you the best choice, especially of tall or unusual trees. A tree cut in late November will last until Christmas and beyond if you keep it watered (see keeping your tree fresh).
Weekends in early December are the busiest. If you can, go on a weekday, or early on a Saturday morning. Some farms with Santa’s grottos or tree tagging ask you to book a slot, so check the listing first.
Which variety?
- Nordmann fir. The UK’s most popular tree. Soft, glossy, dark green needles that hold on well, and sturdy branches for heavy decorations. Very little scent.
- Norway spruce. The traditional British Christmas tree, with the classic pine smell. Usually cheaper, but it drops needles sooner, so buy it closer to Christmas and keep it well watered.
- Fraser fir. Slimmer than a Nordmann, so it suits smaller rooms. Good needle hold and a fresh scent.
- Noble fir. Blue-green needles and stiff, evenly spaced branches. Holds its needles well and often costs more.
- Blue spruce. A striking silvery blue. Holds its needles well but they are sharp, so it is less friendly for small children and pets.
Not every farm grows every variety. Each farm page lists the trees it offers, where the farm has published them.
Getting the size right
Measure before you go. Take the height of your ceiling, then subtract the height of your stand and your tree topper: for a 2.4 m (8 ft) ceiling, a tree of around 2 m (6 to 7 ft) is usually right. Measure the width of the space too. Trees look smaller in a field than they do in a living room, and a 2 m Nordmann can be well over a metre across at the bottom.
Most farms price trees by height, and many have measuring poles in the field or the yard.
How to spot a fresh tree
If you are buying a tree that has already been cut, rather than cutting your own:
- run your hand gently along a branch: a few needles may come away, but not a shower of them;
- needles should be glossy and flexible, not dry or brittle;
- the cut end should look pale and slightly sticky, not grey and dry;
- ask when the trees were cut. Farms that grow their own usually cut little and often.
Cutting your own
At cut-your-own farms you walk the plantation, choose a growing tree and cut it yourself. Farms usually lend you a saw, and staff are on hand to help. Others let you choose and tag a tree, then cut it for you. Each listing says which way the farm does it, where we know.
Cut as close to the ground as you safely can, keeping the stump low. Saw from one side, and have someone hold the tree steady so it doesn’t pinch the blade. Most farms will then shake loose needles out, drill the base for a spike stand if you want, and net the tree for the journey home.
What to bring
- Wellies or boots: plantations are often muddy in December.
- Warm layers and gloves; fir needles are prickly.
- A tape measure, and your room measurements.
- Something to protect the car, plus straps or rope if the tree is going on a roof rack.
- A way to pay: some farms are card only, a few are cash only.
Is your local farm missing?
If you know a Christmas tree farm we haven’t listed, or you run one, tell us about it and we’ll add it.