A fresh cut British grown Christmas tree not only looks fantastic but also fills your home with the traditional scent of Christmas. With so many different tree varieties now available from your local grower, there is a tree to suit all tastes, which leaves absolutely no excuse to buy an artificial tree!

This Season's Trendiest Trees

The Nordmann Fir is the UK's favourite Christmas tree, representing more than 50% of sales due to its fresh scent and ability to hold its needles.

More unusual varieties of tree are becoming increasingly popular with those wanting to create a unique look this Christmas.

The Serbian Spruce with its sleek profile has been a long term favourite in Central Europe and compliments beautifully a modern minimalist space.

The Blue Spruce, with its metallic-blue sheen, will be a best seller this year as it offers sought after originality.

Christmas Tree TLC

For guaranteed freshness buy a tree direct from your local BCTGA member.
This will ensure the tree is of good quality and freshly harvested. If you are unable to go along and choose a tree yourself many growers now offer a mail delivery service.

When deciding on a tree, check that the needles are not dull and dried up and that the branches are not brittle. Remember to gently shake the tree to ensure the outer needles are not falling off.

Keep your fresh tree in water outside until you're ready for it and cut about half an inch off the butt to open the tree pores before you move it in to the house.

Keep your tree away from direct heat to prevent it drying out; expect it to absorb a gallon of water in the first twenty-four hours, and at least a quarter a day thereafter.

After Christmas recycle your tree by taking it down to your local council tip where it will be chipped and turned into compost. An artificial tree is not quite so easy to get rid of and is harmful to the environment as it can take hundreds of years to decompose!

Why Root for British grown Christmas trees?

At a time when climate change is constantly in our thoughts the environmentally friendly among us know that throughout their cycle, Christmas trees recycle carbon dioxide by turning it into fresh oxygen - just one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support 18 people.

Tree farms provide habitat for wildlife and several species of bird. BCTGA members take account of these habitats in the cultivation of their trees.

A British grown tree is even more environmentally sound - no long haul transportation is involved and all members of the BCTGA subscribe to a code of conduct which ensures their crops are sustainable and do not cause damage to the local wildlife.

Increasingly people are buying container or potted trees and replanting them in January - doing their bit for the environment and saving money on next years' tree!