Where finding the perfect tree is a Christmas adventure
“The UK's favourite family Christmas tradition since 1989" Enjoy the best quality, experience and selection of real Christmas Trees, all grown right here on our 38 acre Berkhamsted farm.
Opening Hours:
Our sales area and car park are fully floodlit and we open late nights during the weekdays in early December and the last Friday in November. Our core opening hours will once again be 9am - 5pm seven days a week but we will be open later during the busiest times - check back here for updates.
Your questions answered by our experts. John and Robert
At Christmas Tree Place, we truly are experts in growing real Christmas trees. Our main site covers 38 acres, making up just part of our 80 acres of Herts and Bucks born-and-bred trees.
Having started from the ground up in 1989, brothers Robert and John are now recognised as some of the country’s leading experts in the industry. As one of the largest growers in the Hertfordshire area, Farmer John is sharing his decades of hands-on knowledge to answer your most common questions below.
How can I ensure my tree will last till Christmas?
Buy Fresh, Buy from the Farm! The single most important factor in choosing a real Christmas tree is freshness. That is why we don't start harvesting our trees until late November.
Many large wholesalers begin their harvest as early as late October—potentially two months before Christmas Day—just to allow time for logistics. Wrapped and stacked on pallets for weeks, those trees heat up, dry out, and go far too long without water. By buying your tree directly from our farm gates, you not only get to see exactly where it grew, but you also enjoy a trip into the countryside. By holding off our harvest, we ensure minimal time passes between the field, your living room, and that all-important water.
Which brings me to my next point: Water, water, water. Here at Christmas Tree Place Berkhamsted, we will fresh-cut the bottom inch of the trunk for you before you leave. After a tree is harvested, the sap naturally seals the base. Our fresh cut opens it back up, so it is crucial to get the tree straight into a water-holding stand as soon as you get home. Never let the stand go dry, or the trunk will seal itself up again—so keep a close eye on the water level!
Be sure to visit our Tree Advice page for more tips on how to care for your real tree.
What type of Christmas Tree do you recommend?
Choosing Your Perfect Tree: Norway Spruce vs. Nordmann Fir
It ultimately comes down to personal preference. First, there is the traditional Christmas tree: the Norway Spruce. Over 30 years ago when I first started selling trees, this variety completely dominated the market, and it is not hard to see why—they have a beautiful aroma that truly smells like Christmas. The drawback is that they require a bit more care and must be incredibly fresh. The Norway Spruce does not hold its needles as well as a Nordmann Fir, making it crucial to purchase from a trusted grower who harvests late. Here at Christmas Tree Place, we refuse to harvest our Norway Spruces until later in the season. If you like putting your tree up very early, this variety isn't for you. However, if you hold off, it is well worth the wait for that classic Christmas scent and traditional shape.
On the other side, you have the "non-drop" tree, which dominates the market today. The most common variety is the Nordmann Fir, renowned for its excellent needle retention. While it doesn't have quite the same strong aroma as the Norway Spruce, it is a fantastic, low-maintenance choice—especially for households who want their tree up longer and want to avoid the mess of dropped needles.
Can I have a real tree with the heating on?
Yes! While we always advise customers to keep their tree away from direct heat sources like radiators or log burners, you certainly don't need to sit in the freezing cold. Again, it all comes down to freshness. The best way to ensure a tree survives in a centrally heated house is to buy it freshly cut, direct from the farm. It is also crucial to keep on top of the watering. A fresh tree can drink up to two or three pints of water a day in a warm room, so check your stand daily and keep it topped up.
Are real trees green?
Yes, especially when you buy directly from the farm. By purchasing a real tree from us, you keep transport miles next to zero. All of our trees are grown within three miles of our Berkhamsted farm. Even if you are visiting us from St Albans or North London, your tree won't have traveled more than 20 miles between our fields and your front door.
It is also important to remember that these trees are grown specifically for you as an agricultural crop. For every real tree harvested, there are up to eight more growing in its place—from saplings up to 6-footers. While they grow, they act as a vital carbon sink and provide enough daily oxygen for 18 people.
When it comes to the carbon footprint, the numbers speak for themselves:
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Real Trees: If a real tree is chipped and spread on a garden after Christmas, it has a carbon footprint of just 3.5kg of CO2.
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Artificial Trees: A two-metre plastic tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg of CO2—over 10 times greater than a properly recycled real tree. You would need to use that artificial tree for at least 10 years just to break even on its environmental impact, assuming it even lasts that long.
But don't just take my word for it. We are proud members of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA)—visit their site to see exactly how green a real, farm-grown tree is.