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 that suit all tastes and pockets, The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association say there is absolutely no excuse to buy an artificial tree.

Trendy trees

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

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

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

How about the old favourites with the ideal Christmas tree aroma — the Pines (Lodgepole and Scots Pine) which are great needle-holders, and the traditional Norway Spruce.

Christmas tree TLC

For guaranteed freshness buy a tree direct from your local BCTGA member (visit www.christmastree.org.uk to source). 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 are ready for it and cut about half an inch off the trunk 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 24 hours, and at least a quarter of a gallon a day thereafter.

Why root for British-grown Christmas trees?

A British-grown tree, bought from your local BCTGA member, is 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.

Throughout their growth 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 and for every tree cut this year at least one more will be planted in its place!

Tree farms provide habitat for wildlife and several species of bird.

Increasingly, people are buying container or potted trees and replanting them in January — doing their bit for the environment and saving money on next year’s tree!

Generally an artificial tree only becomes more cost effective than a real tree if used for several years.

Recycling your tree

It is estimated that in London alone 976,000 Christmas trees are simply thrown away and, in fact, only 10 per cent are recycled. It is easy to do this: Local authorities offer Christmas tree collection points and composting advice for waste, as well as DIY retailers and garden centres offering tree recycling services. Look on www.recyclenow.com and use the postcode locator.

You can separate the needles from the branches, dry and crumble them and then mix them with cinnamon. Put this into little bags to create a tree fragrance that will continue to evoke Christmas.

Plant your Christmas tree in the garden Chipping your tree is easy and useful, by doing this you can create mulch, which can be used around your trees and shrubs. If you have no need for mulch check with your local authority for their tree recycling scheme as most of them use mulch to create paths and hiking trails.

For more information visit The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association website: www.christmastree.org.uk