No shortage of Christmas trees at Cheshire family farm

Amid growing concerns of a tree shortage this year, local tree supplier, TJ Christmas Trees in Allostock has confirmed they are now open for business with more than 5,000 trees on sale.

Tom Liptrott, aborist at TJ Christmas Trees, said: “A lot of places are struggling to get hold of Christmas trees this year because of delays getting them imported into the country.

No shortage of Christmas trees at Cherrytree Farm

"But as we grow all our own trees, we obviously have a huge supply of them right here on the farm. So don’t worry, we have plenty of trees for everyone.”.

The family run business at Cherrytree Farm, just outside Knutsford, has a selection of more than 3,000 cut trees on sale as well as 2,000 container grown trees.

Christmas trees range from 25ft to three foot

Cut trees of all shapes and sizes are suspended from a barn ceiling to show the trees’ natural shape, making it easier for customers to choose which one to buy.

Booking is not required, customers can simply arrive at the farm and follow directions to purchase the trees.

Wonky Christmas trees looking for a new home

The trees ranging from 25ft cut trees to three foot container grown trees.

A new tree rehoming programme has been launched, where less than perfect container grown trees can be bought and taken to a new home to flourish.

Wonky little Christmas trees looking for a new home

This follows the introduction of container grown living trees in 2020 and has been brought in as a green initiative to reduce waste. Included in the price ticket of £15, customers will receive the living tree, a lifetime pot and fertiliser.

Tom said: "I’m delighted at the take-up we had on the container-grown trees last year. But a very small percentage of our trees don’t quite meet the aesthetic requirements of a Christmas tree.

Tom Liptrott with some of the Christmas trees

"It sounds silly because these are perfectly healthy little trees but maybe the leader branch is a little too long, or some of the lower branches are a bit wonky so they were overlooked by customers.

"Rather than waste these trees, we want people to take them home, to nurture them and let them grow. They will still be nice strong trees, they just look a little unconventional.”

If you don't have space to plant a tree after Christmas, a rental service is available where living trees can be taken home for the festive period and returned to the farm to continue growing.

Real trees, be it cut or living, are the greenest option when it comes to buying a Christmas tree.

Cherrytree Farm has thousands of Christmas trees

Customers can take their trees home from Cherrytree Farm on Boothbed Lane or can arrange to have them delivered anywhere in the UK for a small charge.

The site is Covid safe and contactless payment is available. All Christmas trees are also available to order online at tjchristmastreefarm.co.uk.