Where To Buy a Real Christmas Tree (and How To Care For It)
Christmas is fast approaching and nothing beats the real deal
Does anything really beat the delightful pine scent which embodies Christmas? We think not. But by picking a British-grown tree, you’re also supporting local growers and businesses. A more sustainable and eco-friendly option, real trees have a much lower carbon footprint than artificial ones. Why not make finding the perfect tree into a fun and festive family day out? Nothing like that chaotic scene in Deck The Halls!
As with any key part of Christmas, preparation is key and when it comes to finding the perfect tree it begins before you even leave the house. That includes measuring doorways and the space in which you want your tree to stand proud (remember to allow room for the tree stand). The last thing you want is a tree too big for your living room, like in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Make sure that space is away from any heat source, including radiators, if you want your tree to last for the full festivities. Roaring fires are a must at Christmas, but not near your tree!
It’s also worth thinking about what type of Christmas tree you want. The most popular species are Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir. For that iconic Christmassy scent opt for a Norway Spruce if you’re willing to clear up the dreaded shedded needles (watering it daily will help retain some of them). Nordmann and Fraser Firs generally retain far more of their needles and a Fraser Fir is a good choice for smaller rooms. There are endless options though – the Douglas Fir is widely planted in the UK and welcomed at Christmas for its shape and dark colour, and White Pines are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to more fragrant trees.
Now it’s time to head to your local Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree. Ask ‘O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches?’ Avoid signs of withering and shedding and any trees that appear dry. Instead look out for dark green and waxy needles – a sure sign of a healthy Christmas tree. 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.
So you’ve got your Christmas tree, now what? The key is to keep it hydrated with plenty of fresh water, like you would for any fresh flowers. A fresh cut (at least half an inch) at the bottom means the tree can drink up the water from its stand. Remember to check the water every day as these trees are thirsty (especially in the first few days) – some can drink up to two or three pints of water every day!
Once it’s decorated, that’s it! Take good care of it and you can enjoy it ‘til the New Year. When a Christmas tree is disposed of efficiently it is 100 percent biodegradable. A lot of local councils and charities recycle Christmas trees (some offering a kerb-side collection) to put them into composting to use in parks and flower beds. You must remove all decorations before recycling.
Brookfield Farm Christmas Trees
This fourth-generation family-run business has been selling Christmas trees for more than 35 years. As well as trees they offer wreaths and Christmas accessories, and host wreath making workshops. Keep an eye on their socials for opening dates.
Calf Fallow Lane, Norton TS20 1PF
brookfieldfarmchristmas.com
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. They usually open from the end of November, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.
Black Callerton, Newcastle NE5 1NS
broomhallchristmastrees.com
Chopwell Wood
Offering a selection of British-grown Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir trees in various sizes, head to Chopwell Wood to find your perfect tree. The money from Christmas tree sales helps fund work in the wood throughout the year, so by buying here you’re not only getting a beautiful real tree, you’re doing your bit to look after the woodland too. Keep an eye on their website for this year’s plans.
Rowlands Gill, Gateshead NE39 1LT
friendsofchopwellwood.org.uk
Croft Christmas Trees
Winners of Best Nordmann Fir at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association awards 2025, the team at Croft Christmas Trees obviously know their stuff, and work hard year-round to make sure you get your perfect tree – their win means they get to supply the tree for 10 Downing Street this year! Open from Sunday 16th November, head down to discover their freshly-cut, sustainably grown trees, decorations, and local produce.
Grange Farm, Jolby Lane, Croft DL2 2TF
croftchristmastrees.com
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, and offer a fantastic variety every year. The team are also really helpful (and patient) as you search for the perfect tree, and can offer great advice on how to care for yours. You can also join one of their fabulous Christmas wreath workshops to craft your very own luxury festive wreath.
Main Road, Woolsington, Newcastle NE13 8BW
cowellsgc.co.uk
East Grange
When the sunflowers have faded and the pumpkins have all been picked, it’s time for Christmas tree season at East Grange. Their Christmas barn comes to life selling freshly-cut, locally sourced Nordmann Fir trees, as well as handmade wreaths, decorations and stands.
High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2TB
eastgrange.com
Raby Castle
From 22nd November right up until Christmas Eve, Raby are offering a variety of freshly-cut Christmas trees, from the fragrant Nordmann Fir to the classic Norway Spruce, in various sizes. This year The Coach Yard will be transformed into a magical Christmas haven, with twinkling lights, music and plenty of seasonal spirit. Grab a hot chocolate to keep you cosy as you browse the trees, or make a day of it and visit The Vinery for lunch, browse Christmas gifts in the Coach House Shop, and explore the Castle, Park and Gardens.
Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3NF
raby.co.uk
Edelweiss Christmas Tree Co.
Edelweiss Christmas Tree Co. have a great variety of trees to choose from – but for something really special, why not go for their Emerald Grade tree, the highest quality on offer? They’ll also be selling tree foliage by the kilo this year, perfect for wreath makers.
Double Row, Seaton Delaval NE25 0PP
instagram.com/edelweisschristmastrees
Meldon Park
From late November, head to Meldon Park from Thursday to Sunday to choose from a wide range of Christmas trees. You can cut your own Norway Spruce 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
Stockeld Park Estate
One of the oldest Christmas tree growers in England, Stockeld Park Estate grows half a million non-needle drop Nordmann Fir Christmas trees on the estate and you can select the perfect size tree online for delivery as far away as Lancashire and Tyneside.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN
christmas-tree-delivery.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas Tree Centre
This North Yorkshire family-run business prides itself on producing locally grown, carefully nurtured Christmas trees, from three-foot table top trees to giant 12-foot statement trees. With a wide selection available, every tree is grown and maintained by the team who are on hand to offer expert care advice to ensure your tree looks its best all Christmas. They’re open every day from 22nd November until Thursday 18th December.
Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ
harrogatechristmastrees.co.uk
The Billingley Christmas Tree Farm
Growing thousands of real Christmas trees, award-winning 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 a VIP service where you can visit early and pre-select your Christmas tree ready for collection or delivery nearer to Christmas.
Back Lane, Billingley, Barnsley S72 0JF
billingleychristmastrees.co.uk
Newsholme Christmas Trees
This family-run business have been supplying Christmas trees fresh from their farm for more than two decades, and now nurture more than 30,000. Choose a tree growing in the field, or ready cut in the barn, and you can click and collect for ease too. Don’t miss their Christmas Tree Fest on 15th and 16th November.
Warp Farm, Newsholme, Goole DN14 7JS
newsholmechristmastrees.co.uk
Newburgh Christmas Trees
This Christmas tree grower and wholesaler were runners up for Best Norway Spruce at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association awards last year, and Newburgh Christmas Trees offer a wide range of fresh trees for sale from the estate at Coxwold. Open every day during November and December, the onsite Christmas shop is packed with decorations and Christmas essentials including Fair Trade baubles, and you can 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
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 tree stands and festive wreaths. Open every day from 22nd November, head along choose your tree which will then be trimmed ready to slide into your stand.
Tithe Farm, North Ferriby, Hull HU14 3JJ
eastridingchristmastrees.co.uk
Brookleigh Farm
With more than 24 years of experience, this family-run farm are passionate about trees and grow Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and traditional Norway Spruce on their plantations in Burley-in-Wharfedale. Supplying a wide area around Ilkey, Otley, Leeds and Wharfedale, you can buy online for delivery or head to the farm to choose your own tree (they have plenty of pot-grown trees too) which will be trimmed and netted for you.
Burley Road, Menston, Ilkley LS29 6NS
qualitychristmastrees.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 for pre-selecting on 8th/9th and 15th/16th November, when you can head into the plantation or ride over on the special Tree Train to choose and tag your tree, then return closer to the big day to watch it being cut down. The farm opens fully from 22nd November (until Christmas Eve), and whilst you’re there, browse the Christmas shop for wreaths, lights, and decorations. Woolley Edge also has three of Santa’s helpers, Dancer, Prancer, and Cupid, waiting to meet you.
Beacon Hill Farm, Woolley Edge, Wakefield WF4 2LQ
woolleyedgechristmastreefarm.co.uk
York Christmas Trees
This award-winning, family-run 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 have supplied 10 Downing Street, York Minster and Castle Howard with their trees. Open daily from 21st November until Christmas Eve, find a variety of fresh trees, from three to 30 feet, on sale at their farm.
Wigginton Lodge, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
yorkchristmastrees.co.uk
The Sheffield Christmas Tree Company
Open from 15th 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 and pick your tree from the fields to reserve yours for delivery or collection from 17th November.
Dungworth, near Stannington S6 6GW
thesheffieldchristmastreecompany.co.uk
