Pining for a Real Christmas Tree

According to Father Christmas himself, as of today, the 20th of September, there are 95 days and 12 hours until Christmas 2010. The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association (BCTGA) encourage you to not only buy a real Christmas tree to ensure you embellish your home with a scent and beauty only nature can provide, but to be environmentally aware that buying a real tree is a much greener choice.

Why Root for British grown Christmas trees?

At a time of great environmental change, BCTGA brings you top reasons for decorating your home with a fresh British grown tree this Christmas.

  • 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 – BCTGA members take account of these habitats in the cultivation of their trees.
  • Increasingly people are buying container or potted trees and replanting them in January – doing their bit for the environment and saving money on next years’ tree!
  • Artificial trees are non-biodegradable and the manufacturing process contributes noxious fumes to the environment. If thrown away, artificial trees will spend centuries degrading in landfill sites and if burnt, they can release deadly toxins into the air.
  • The long-haul transport of artificial trees manufactured in the Far East, impacts the environment and adds to carbon emissions.

  • More unusual varieties of tree are becoming increasingly popular with those wanting to create a unique look this Christmas.

A little tender, love and care for your real Christmas Tree

  • For guaranteed freshness buy a tree direct from your local BCTGA member (visit www.christmastree.org.uk to source) or at a Garden Centre selling British grown trees. 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’re ready for it and cut about half an inch off the butt 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 twenty-four hours, and at least a quarter a day thereafter.

Recycling your Christmas Tree

  • It is estimated that in London alone 976,000 Christmas trees are simply thrown away and in fact only 10% are recycled. So with that, the BCTGA are here to offer you some alternative ways to use your tree when the season is over:

  • In 2009, 33 London boroughs are offering additional Christmas tree recycling services. To locate your nearest Reuse and Recycling centres, visit the Recycle for London website

  • Local authorities have been offering Christmas tree collection points and composting advice for waste, as well as DIY retailers and garden centres offering tree recycling services. Look on

  • Contact your local council and ask them about their recycling scheme, most should offer a collection service.


There are also plenty of ways around the house that you can recycle your tree.

  • 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 scented smell that will keep that Christmas feeling lingering.

  • Plant your Christmas tree in the garden, so animals can inhabit there.

  • You can place branches vertically around your trees to discourage unwanted animals, such as dogs, getting to your plants/trees.

  • Fishpond owners have the perfect use for their tree as they can simply sink theirs to make a retreat and feeding area for their fish. Or on the other hand, if you don’t have a pond just use the chips to line your fish habitat.

  • 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.


Remember, recycling is free!
ENDS