Christmas tree growers across the UK, including those in Oxfordshire, say they are having a bumper year.

One of the farms where staff have been extremely busy is The Tree Barn in Christmas Common near Watlington.

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Staff say they have been selling Christmas trees much earlier this year and sales are strong.

Caroline Mccormack's tree

After lobbying from growers, the government relaxed coronavirus restrictions and since then the spruces and firs have been flying off the farms.

The firm's website said: "For only a few weeks each year during the run up to Christmas, we open our doors to the public. Throughout those weeks, we aim to supply both beautiful home-grown Christmas Trees as well as a wonderful selection of Christmas related goods in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to give our customers a Very Happy Christmas!"

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Families across Oxfordshire have certainly been getting their trees set up nice and early and have sent us pictures to prove it.

Heather Parry from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association said several of her 320 members say it is the busiest they've ever been.

Adam Shackleton sent this picture

UK farms usually sell about eight million trees each year.

This year they predict it could reach as many as 10 million.

Growers say wholesale business to retailers is already 24% higher than this time last year.

Fewer people are going abroad, and there are many more smaller gatherings taking place instead of large family get-togethers, requiring more, smaller trees.

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And more people want the smell of the outdoors and the sense that they are doing something "authentic" this year.

Adele Patrick's tree

Once you get your cut Christmas tree home, take it out of its net and leave it in a bucket of water outdoors until you are ready to decorate it, says the British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Avoid placing it too close to a fire or radiator, as it will dry out and the needles will drop off, says the Royal Horticultural Society.

Saw one inch off the bottom of your tree before placing it in a stand with water in the base, advises the RHS.

Cut trees should last about four weeks inside.

If you have a living tree in a pot, display it in a cool room.

Picture: Anne Dawkins

Bring it indoors as late as possible, preferably the weekend before Christmas.

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Living trees should not be in the house any longer than 12 days.

Local councils often offer Christmas tree collection services, so they can be picked up and recycled after Christmas.

From Julie Coulling

Have you bought a real tree and what decorations do you use?Real tree and allsorts of old and new decorations with my angel on top which is now 60 years old.

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