In a sleepy, quaint North Yorkshire village, a large-scale operation is in action to bring real farm fresh Christmas trees to people’s living rooms. 

Last week we paid a visit to the grower to check the quality and hand select this year’s trees. Upon arrival we were greeted with a large field of Christmas trees as far as the eye can see, in neat long lines ready to be distributed to excited families. They have been nurtured and pruned to perfection throughout the year – no mean feat!

Chris, who is in charge of the growing operation, claims: “Nothing beats a real tree, the look, the smell, the atmosphere it gives to a room.  

“At no other time of the year do we take nature into our home and appreciate its beauty. Apply the lights and decorations for a truly magical experience. 

“The majority of our customers are very positive about Christmas, the UK public need something to cheer themselves up, and they usually go for it at Christmas.” 

Chris then went on to explain that: “In the UK and Europe, the dominant tree is the low needle drop Nordmann Fir, in the USA the Fraser Fir is the favoured variety. The fir trees hold on to their needles and now take 85% of the market and the old–fashioned Norway Spruce is much less popular, although, it does have the best fragrance!” 

Christmas comes early for Chris with the all-year round operation. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic his year has been a lot different.  

He said: “My year varies from spending a lot of time behind a computer, on the phone, to driving many miles visiting our customers old and new. This year has been very different due to the COVID pandemic. 

“Many farms around Britain have diversified to support their finances. Whether it’s growing fruit for their own retail farm shop that they have just opened or converting buildings to holiday cottages, farmers have had to find new ways to generate profits, that’s why we got into Christmas trees. 

“Our plantations provide enough daily oxygen for 5920 people and absorb 900 tonnes of CO2 each year.” 

So, it’s been a challenging year for our local growers! Why not show your support by adding the finishing touch to your Christmas with a Yorkshire-grown farm fresh tree? 

Chris added: “I hope that you enjoy Christmas 2020 with your household, maybe not with as many family members or friends as you would normally. If you are going to be at home more this Christmas then buy two Christmas trees! Here is to 2021 and a better year for all, stay safe.”