Real Christmas trees Leeds: where to buy a Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce in 2019

Having that big green sparkly tree dominate the living room reminds you it’s the festive season each time you walk through the door.

Many people like to go with a plastic tree for a bunch of very practical reasons: you can buy one and it will last you several years, it won’t shed needles all over your floor and doesn’t involve transporting an actual tree into your house.

On the other hand, many people see having a real tree as a non-negotiable part of the Christmas experience.

The smell of a real fir tree is up there with the scent of mulled wine or Christmas pudding in its ability to catapult you backwards into your childhood Christmas memories.

If you do decide to go for a real tree, it’s worth putting some thought into where you get it - and when.

When should I buy my tree?

Exactly when your tree should go up is a matter of fierce debate.

Some traditionalists would argue that it shouldn’t go up until the night before Christmas, while many want to get the most mileage out of the season and have their tree up before November is out.

In terms of getting the best out of a real tree, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association recommend that you should be fine to buy one from around the beginning of December, advising that a well looked after tree should last four weeks or so.

Where should I buy my tree?

There are no shortage of places in Leeds to pick up a real tree, so you should be able to find somewhere that suits.

The Arium on Thorner Lane is Leeds’ biggest plant nursery and offers trees ranging from three to 12 feet, so you’ll be sorted whatever size your place is.

If you don’t have time to pick up a tree yourself, Dodds Christmas Trees will deliver all across Leeds.

They promise “the most beautiful trees in Leeds” which you can order in a couple of clicks– so you’re getting quality and convenience in equal measure.

The family-run Leeds Christmas Tree Centre in Adel has been in the game for over four decades, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. Every tree is grown on one of the family’s Yorkshire plantations and hand-picked, guaranteeing you the best of the bunch.

Brookleigh Farm on Burnley Road is another family-run venture who have been providing locally-grown trees since 1998. Their non-drop Nordman and Frazer Fir varieties are especially popular, and they also deliver.

When Uni mates Ben and Bjorn were looking for a new side-hustle while studying in Manchester, they decided to get into the Christmas Tree Game. It went so well that they kept it going on their return to Yorkshire, and Christmas Trees Leeds was born.

One of the tricky parts of picking out a Christmas tree is trying to work out how it will look once the net is off and its branches fall. Swillington Organic Farm’s trees are kept in water and unwrapped right up until their bought, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting.

Peckfield Farm, on Selby Road, also makes for a great buying experience by letting you wander their expansive barn until you find the tree that’s right for you. You can even snag a mince pie while you’re there, and they’ll deliver your chosen tree for you.

If you’re looking to get a big part of your pre-Christmas shopping done in one go, the Kirkgate Market on Vicar Lane is a must. They’ve got a range of potted and wrapped trees, as well as everything from fruit and veg to Christmas decorations.