Sustainable Christmas Trees
Growing Christmas Trees with the Future in Mind
Growing Christmas trees is a long-term process. The trees we plant today will spend years growing on the land before they are ready for Christmas, so looking after the farm for the future is an important part of how we work.
For us, responsible growing means replanting trees as they are harvested, managing the land carefully, creating space for wildlife and reducing unnecessary waste wherever practical.
We don't claim that growing and delivering Christmas trees has no environmental impact. Instead, we believe in being clear about what we currently do, where our trees come from and the improvements we continue to consider.
A New Tree for Every Tree Harvested
For every Christmas tree we harvest, we plant a new tree.
Christmas trees take many years to reach the size required for Christmas, so our fields contain trees at different stages of their growing cycle.
Replanting after harvesting keeps that cycle going, with new trees growing for future Christmases while established trees continue developing across the farm.
Looking After the Land
We manage vegetation between rows of Christmas trees primarily through mowing and strimming.
Where crop protection is necessary, treatments are targeted and used when a threat has been identified. Spraying is carried out in the evening where possible to reduce exposure to active pollinators.
We haven't needed to use fertiliser so far, although we don't rule out responsible use in the future if changing weather or growing conditions make it necessary.
We also use peat-free growing methods and natural soil amendments where applicable.
Our Approach to Christmas Tree Sustainability
Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees
Choosing between a real and artificial Christmas tree involves more than appearance. How a tree is grown, how far it travels, how an artificial tree is manufactured and transported, how many years it is reused and what happens to either tree afterwards can all affect its environmental impact.
A real Christmas tree is a renewable crop that spends years growing before it is harvested. On our farm, each harvested tree is replaced with a new one, continuing the growing cycle for future Christmases.
For customers choosing a real tree, buying one that has been grown locally and disposing of it responsibly after Christmas are practical considerations worth making.
From Our Surrey Farm to Your Home
Our Nordmann Fir Christmas trees are grown and cared for on our Surrey farm.
We also work with trusted growers for our Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce trees, located approximately 6.7 miles from our farm, helping us keep this part of our supply chain local.
Trees are ordered online and delivered directly to our customers. Our dedicated delivery team plans local routes efficiently to avoid unnecessary journeys where practical.
Trees are netted where necessary for safer handling and protection during transport.
Get the Most From Your Christmas Tree
Once your Christmas tree reaches your home, good care helps you get the most from it throughout the festive season.
Use a water-holding stand, check the water level every day and keep the tree away from strong heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces.
Choosing the right tree for your home and caring for it properly helps ensure that the years spent growing it result in a Christmas tree you can enjoy throughout the season.
What Should You Do With a Real Christmas Tree After Christmas?
Once Christmas is over, your real tree should be disposed of responsibly.
We don't currently operate our own post-Christmas collection or recycling service, so customers should check the Christmas tree recycling arrangements provided by their local council or waste authority.
Many councils provide seasonal collection points or Christmas tree recycling services, where trees can be chipped and the resulting material reused.
We're also exploring ways we may be able to make responsible post-Christmas disposal easier for our customers in the future.
Making Space for Wildlife
Our farm is surrounded by hedgerows, with areas managed to provide additional habitat alongside the Christmas tree fields.
This includes wildflower strips along fence lines, a dedicated wildlife area and a summer vegetable-growing plot where pollinator-friendly and companion planting approaches are used.
The surrounding land is home to a wide range of wildlife. Foxes, badgers, squirrels, rabbits and deer are regularly seen, along with numerous bird species including red kites.
Research commissioned by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association has also examined the role well-managed Christmas tree plantations can play in supporting wildlife and biodiversity.
Sustainable Christmas Tree FAQs
Do you plant a new Christmas tree for every tree harvested?
Yes. For every Christmas tree we harvest from our farm, we plant a new tree, continuing the growing cycle for future seasons.
Do you use pesticides on your Christmas trees?
Where crop protection is necessary, treatments are targeted and used when a threat has been identified. Spraying is carried out in the evening where possible to reduce exposure to active pollinators.
How do you manage weeds around the Christmas trees?
Vegetation between rows of trees is primarily managed through mowing and strimming.
Where are your Christmas trees grown?
Our Nordmann Fir Christmas trees are grown and cared for on our Surrey farm. We also work with trusted growers for Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce trees located approximately 6.7 miles from our farm.
What happens to Christmas tree offcuts?
Our own trees are cut to order, helping avoid unnecessary harvesting. Suitable foliage removed while preparing trees for stands is reused for wreath making.
Can Christmas tree netting be recycled?
The monofilament netting we currently use isn't recyclable through normal household recycling and should be disposed of with general waste. We continue to consider practical alternatives for protecting trees during transport.
Know Where Your Christmas Tree Comes From
Discover our family-run Surrey Christmas tree farm, learn how our Nordmann Firs are grown and choose a real Christmas tree for your home.