Large fresh Christmas trees should be of excellent quality, and good farmers will make sure that such trees are uniform in shape so that they look particularly attractive when decorated and/or lit up. The UK’s most popular real Christmas trees, the Nordmann fir and the Norway spruce, are both readily available in larger sizes, as is the Noble Fir. Such trees look beautiful both inside and out, and many retailers offer a professional installation service, saving buyers the hard work.

Many large fresh Christmas trees also come professionally pre-lit and/or pre-decorated, for those that want the extra ‘wow’ factor but none of the hard work. And lot of Christmas tree suppliers provide a recycling service where used trees are collected, chipped and reused, either as garden mulch or boiler fuel. If buying a real large Christmas tree, use a provider who is a member of the BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association) to ensure quality and freshness.

Artificial large Christmas trees are available in many styles, and these range in height from 10 feet to around 40 feet. There are indoor and outdoor versions available, and these are usually made to order. Such trees are available plain or pre-lit with LED lights and/or decorated for that professional look. Obviously, with a large Christmas tree, safety is paramount and so it is imperative that such trees are secured properly, whether indoors or outdoors. Outside, trees are usually held in place with surface bolts and wire extensions that secure the tree to a surface, or an additional base frame may be used with sandbags or cement blocks. The artificial large Christmas tree may be dismantled after use and stored in wooden cartons for future use.

There is a relatively new large artificial cone tree on the market, and this has colour-coded screw-on connections for ease of assembly. When disassembled, the pieces of the frame store neatly inside one another, reducing the amount of storage space needed. As well as being very convenient, these cone trees are very attractive and lights and Christmas tree decorations may be added to the frame for extra effect.

Where people buy their tree depends on various factors such as whether an artificial or real Christmas tree is required, but many families are increasingly ordering online. There are many advantages of ordering your Christmas tree over the internet, from scope of choice to being able to compare prices and offers – it also a very convenient way of ordering a tree for the busy family of today, who would rather relax in the comfort of their own home than brave the Xmas crowds!

There are many different kinds of online Christmas tree shop, from the superstores that sell both real and artificial trees to the specialist retailer that sells one or the other. Some larger online stores offer additional services such as Christmas tree delivery and recycling after use, with many even offering installation and decoration services for a modest fee. Fresh Christmas tree retailers generally operate online in the two months running up to Christmas, whilst those selling artificial Christmas trees are open all year round. If you do buy a real tree online, buy as late as possible to ensure freshness.

Whatever tree you choose online, make sure that any Christmas tree shop you buy from is reputable. If you buy a real Christmas tree, only use retailers that are members of the BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association) – this is an assurance of freshness and quality. In the case of other retailers, look for well-established stores that offer excellent customer service along with a no-quibble refund or exchange, should you not be happy with your tree or any other goods bought.

Online Christmas tree shops are big business due to their convenience, choice and value, and as a result online Christmas tree sales are increasing every year.

Just like its larger counterpart, the small Christmas tree comes in many styles, sizes and designs, with both real and artificial versions available. The smallest real Christmas trees are the pot-grown versions, and these seldom grow over 3 feet. They need to be regularly watered, just like any other house plant, and look just as lovely as a full size tree when decorated. A distinct advantage of the pot grown tree is that it comes with roots and so can be planted and enjoyed in the garden after Xmas.

Miniature Christmas Trees

There is a huge range of small artificial Christmas trees, with ‘small’ usually referring to anything less than 4 feet in height. From the contemporary coiled wire mini Christmas trees in smart metallic colours to the barbie pink 2-3 foot Christmas tree adorning many little girls’ bedrooms, and the huge scope of choice in between. Pre-decorated; pre-lit; fibre optic; snow covered; frosted – just like the regular Christmas tree, the small Christmas tree comes in all these choices.

A miniature Christmas tree can evoke the spirit of the festive season just as well as a larger one, and they are in big demand worldwide. The 12 inch desktop LED Christmas tree looks lovely in the office (especially if each desk has one) and only requires one battery, and the fibre-optic USB miniature tree also looks equally as lovely in the home or office – simply plug into the USB port of your computer to see a gorgeous display of colour.

Whilst the small Christmas tree may lack in size, it really matches the larger Christmas tree in terms of character and style.

Cultivating Christmas trees is a long, drawn-out process, and so Christmas tree growers really do have their work cut out. From seed, it takes between 8 and 12 years to grow a 7-foot tree, depending on the species. Seeds are usually grown in nurseries for 3 to 4 years before the Christmas tree farm buys them, and then they are planted and cultivated on the farm for the remainder of the time. The outcome depends on species of tree, soil type and weather conditions, amongst other things such as cultivation techniques.

In the UK, providers of quality Christmas trees can be identified by the BCTGA logo. The BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association) is the trade association for those who grow fresh Christmas trees in the UK and is an assurance that only the freshest trees are available for sale. Such trees are grown in accordance with the BCTGA environmental code of practice, meaning they are guaranteed fresh and will last around 4 weeks.

If you only stick to Christmas tree growers that are members of the BCTGA, then you should have no problems at all with your real Christmas tree. Once trees are cut they begin to slowly lose their freshness, and good farms leave the cutting of their Christmas trees as late as possible. Better still, if you go to a farm where you can choose your tree before it is cut down, you will be sure that your cut Christmas tree is as fresh as can be. UK-based Christmas tree growers work hard to ensure that they offer a wide variety of tree, and these include the popular Norway spruce and Nordmann fir, as  well as other species such as the Noble fir; Fraser fir; Lodgepole pine; Scots pine; Serbian spruce and Blue spruce.

Wholesale Christmas trees can be ordered in person, online or over the telephone, making the process very straightforward and convenient. Most good wholesalers are easily contactable by phone, fax or email, and if your query is received outside of office hours, a company representative will call you back to discuss your needs. Wholesalers have a nationwide distribution service and will deliver anything from a single tree to a large consignment of trees.

Just like any retailer, a wholesale Christmas tree supplier should provide a wide range of Christmas trees; cut, potted, etc, in many different species, and these should be of premium quality. Customer service should be of utmost importance, and this is likely if a wholesaler is a member of the BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association). Check the website for a list of corresponding wholesalers.

Many wholesale Christmas tree companies are open to the public as well as retailers, allowing ordinary families the chance to buy their Christmas tree (and other decorations) at a bargain price. The ‘middle man’, the retailer, is cut out, and so many a bargain is to be found. If you have a Christmas tree wholesaler near you, pay them a visit this year to pick up some Christmas bargains!

Due to its role as a best seller, there are many different designs of green Christmas tree: real or artificial; pre-lit and/or pre-decorated; frosted or flocked; small or large – the list goes on. Which green Christmas tree you decide on will depend on many factors, but the first one has to be do you want a real tree or artificial? Once you have made this decision, choosing your green Christmas tree should become easier.

Today, ‘green’ is so much more than a simple colour; the term also refers to the need to be environmentally- friendly in order to protect the planet, and we all have a responsibility to ensure our Christmas tree is as ‘green’ as possible. A real Christmas tree is much more eco-friendly than an artificial one, in many respects. Be sure to buy your real Christmas tree from a sustainable source –details are on the British Christmas Tree Growers Association website – or, even better, buy a tree with roots so that it may be replanted after Xmas.

When it comes to disposing of your green Christmas tree, do so in an environmentally friendly way: many Christmas tree farms and other retailers (and local councils) offer a Christmas tree recycling service, whereby they turn used trees into reusable wood chippings or mulch.

Artificial Christmas trees are also good for the environment in another way. For instance, they last much longer than a real Christmas tree, meaning less waste in the landfill. When you have finished with your tree, why not recycle it (and thus keeping it out of landfill longer) by seeing if anyone else could make use of it?

If you are truly committed to preserving the environment, why not treat yourself to a truly green Christmas tree over the festive season? The Woodland Trust sells ‘eco trees’ that are made of recycled card that can be used year after year and, if you are not too bothered about having a tree on display in your home, you could dedicate a tree instead.

It is a shocking fact that only 10% of Christmas trees were recycled last Christmas, so this year be environmentally-friendly and make sure that your green Christmas tree is kind to the environment as well as its colour.

The Scots pine is the only pine Christmas tree native to Northern Europe, but today it only grows naturally in Scotland and is the country’s national tree. The Scots pine was introduced to the US by European settlers and became the most popular Christmas tree in America between the 1950’s and the 1980s. However, in recent times, it has been overtaken in terms of popularity by the Douglas fir and Fraser fir.

The Scots Pine Tree

The Lodgepole pine is another popular pine Christmas tree choice throughout the United States and Europe. Native to the Rocky Mountains, the Lodgepole pine was introduced to the UK in 1855 and is favoured for its excellent needle retention, striking green-yellow foliage and aromatic pine scent. The Lodgepole pine is also a very full tree, meaning it looks lovely when decorated.

The Scots pine and the Lodgepole pine are the two main species of pine used as Christmas trees, yet several other species are sometimes used in the U.S.

The Afghan pine is native to Afghanistan, but is grown in Texas for Christmas tree purposes. This has soft, short needles and sturdy branches, and a mild fragrance.

Ponderosa Pine Tree

The Austrian pine is used because it has a lovely fragrance and retains its needles well and the Red pine is favoured for its bushy foliage, whilst the Ponderosa pine has attractively long needles and good needle retention.

The Virginia pine has dark green foliage and strong branches on which to hang heavy ornaments, and, due to its aromatic fresh pine scent, it is a popular Christmas tree in the south. The White pine is the largest pine in the U.S. and is the state tree of both Maine and Michigan. It makes an attractive Christmas tree, with its soft blue-green full foliage and excellent needle retention, and it has very little fragrance, making it suitable for those who are allergic to the scent of fresh Christmas trees. One thing to bear in mind is that the branches of the White pine are very slender, meaning it can only be lightly decorated.

All the pine trees mentioned above are of the fresh kind, but there are artificial Christmas trees widely available in both America and Europe.

The Bushy Fraser Christmas Fir

While there is no denying that artificial trees prove good value for money and are convenient, a real Christmas tree really captures the magic of Christmas in its fresh green foliage and wonderful pine scent. When dressed with lights and ornaments, the fresh Christmas tree really brings the festive spirit into any home, whether traditional or modern. Think of Chevy Chase with the Christmas Vacation, the movie ‘The House Without a Christmas Tree’ (yes it exists). Other favourites are:

•    It’s a Wonderful Life
•    A Charlie Brown Christmas
•    Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
•    How the Grinch Stole Christmas
•    Frosty the Snowman

UK-based fresh Christmas tree growers and retailers are increasingly aware of the need to be environmentally friendly and all trees are grown with this in mind. Until recently, most real Christmas trees sold in the UK were imported, but British Christmas tree farms are now producing a much wider variety of species – thus, far less fuel is being used to transport trees over long distances. Also, for each tree cut another one is planted, ensuring that each farm sustains its own production.

The Nobal Fir christmas Tree

Many farms offer a ‘green’ tree disposal service, whereby they collect your used tree from your door and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way (such as recycling it into wood chips). So to do many local councils in the weeks after Christmas, most of those in London place the tree outside the front door and wait for it to magically disappear! Well it is Christmas.

There are literally hundreds of Christmas tree farms across the UK, and it really is fun for all the family to go and choose a Christmas tree from one of these farms. It offers a means of getting together in the fresh air and entering into the festive spirit – some farms help families to do by this displaying festive decorations and hosting other seasonal activities, such as displaying real reindeer. In choosing a tree yourself from a Christmas tree farm, you can be sure of its freshness or you can buy online.

Norway Spruce christmas Tree

For the best customer service, use well established real Christmas tree providers, preferably those who are members of the BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association).

If you do decide to buy your tree over the internet, be sure to take advantage of online offers, such as free delivery or discounts. Some online retailers even offer a Christmas decoration service for a modest fee.

The Norman Fir is the country’s favourite due to its soft foliage and excellent needle retention. However, there are other varieties on offer, such as the Noble Fir, Fraser fir and Norway Spruce, and pot-grown trees are also on offer – after Christmas, these can be kept in their pots or planted outside in the garden.

You can feed the animals at this one XmasTreeFarm.co.uk which is located just outside the beautiful village of Downe in Kent, or this one in Chesham  ChristmasTreeFarm.co.uk

Many varieties of Christmas tree are grown on farms and vary in terms of popularity. In the US, the Douglas fir, Scots pine and Fraser fir are most in demand, whilst the Nordman fir and the Norway spruce are the most popular Christmas trees in the UK.

Farming Christmas trees is very demanding work. For maximum yield and quality, the land must be flat or gently sloping and free from debris and weeds. If there is debris present such as rocks, then bulldozing and tilling of the land may be required.

Once seeds are planted, the work continues, with crops being closely monitored in order to prevent the occurrence of pests and disease. Christmas trees are vulnerable to a range of pests, with aphids and adelgids causing the most problems, and pesticides are used to counteract this. Several species of tree also require pruning and shearing 2-4 years after planting, in order to gain the required ‘Christmas tree shape’

Many Christmas Trees are grown on Christmas Tree Farms

Christmas trees require a specific set of nutrients to thrive, and there are 16 elements needed for growth. Hydrogen, oxygen and carbon are obtained through air and water, but the other elements are obtained from the soil. If these elements are not present, then the use of nutritious fertilisers is imperative.

Different types of tree thrive in varying soil conditions: the Pine likes a sandy or sandy loam soil, whilst the White Spruce and Douglas-fir prefer fine-textured or clay soils. Some trees grow well in any type of soil, but the land must be well-drained for a Christmas tree farm to thrive. The weather also affects the yield of a Christmas tree farm – severe cold or hot and dry conditions can both cause irreparable damage to crops. In recent years there has been substantial importation of trees into the UK from Norway and other countries.

You can plant around 1,000 trees to an acre, spaced 6 feet away from each other in both directions. Firs can be placed a little closer at say 5 ½ feet. This number of trees. For large operations several ages of trees must be present to support sustained annual harvests; with approximately 10% being harvested in any given year at a Christmas Farm.
The required number of years required to produce a tree ready for its first harvest does depend on the species, the fertility of the earth, species, where in the country it is was planted and of course height. Christmas tree farms usually produce 6 or 7 foot trees, the Scotch pine takes on average 7 to 9 years with the true firs such as the Douglas taking a couple of years longer. This time can be reduced if intensive management practices are applied.

The final stage of cultivation is the harvesting, and this is done in several ways. Pick-your-own tree farms are very popular, where customers visit a farm, view the Christmas trees and then select one before cutting it down themselves. Some farms specialise in producing potted trees with roots that can be replanted after the holidays – the advantage of this is that the farmer does not have to wait the 8-10 years for the tree to be fully grown. The ultimate goal of all modern Christmas tree farming methods is to produce high quality trees in order to meet the high expectation of the customer and thus achieve maximum profit.

Artificial Xmas trees have become increasingly popular in modern times; they can be used year after year, are conveniently stored and require less maintenance than a real tree, making them the perfect choice for many busy families.

Quality artificial Xmas trees can look incredibly authentic, thanks to modern technology, and there is a wide range to choose from:

•    Pre-lit
•    Pre-decorated
•    Fibre optic trees

Artificial Xmas trees come in many colours, both traditional and modern, and are made from flame-retardant materials. There really is an artificial Xmas tree to suit every home.

Real Xmas trees are a firm favourite with many families at Christmas time. In keeping with tradition, some like to choose and then decorate their real tree with

Real Christmas Tree

festive ornaments and lights. This is usually an evergreen conifer and the fir species is mainly used, on account of its lovely fresh scent and excellent needle retention. Real Xmas trees can be seen displayed over the festive season across towns and city centres, and these are usually on a large scale and look very impressive indeed.

White Xmas Trees were popular for many years before their popularity declined a few years ago, but now the white tree is in demand once more. White is reminiscent of frost and snow and all things ‘Christmassy’, and the white Xmas tree allows the spirit of Christmas to be brought into the home. The white sparkling branches provide a stunning backdrop for darker-coloured ornaments, and adding lights only adds to this effect. The popularity of the white Xmas tree is partly down to its versatility; it can be made to look traditional when dressed in the traditional Christmas colours, or ultra modern when decorated in more contemporary colours such as black or purple. Obviously, the majority of white Xmas trees are artificial, but fresh green trees are available that have been frosted or flocked to give a ‘caught in a snowstorm’ look, and these can look very effective.

Pre-lit Xmas trees are the ultimate in convenience. For most people, the most time-consuming and annoying part of decorating the Xmas tree is putting on the lights. With a pre-lit tree, you simply hang on the decorations, plug in and…the work is done! For the ultimate in convenience for the ultra-busy family or the workplace, there is the pre-lit, pre-decorated Xmas tree.