Record sales for real Christmas trees as price of fake rises

Growers say demand has increased every year since Covid, with concerns over the price - and environmental impact - of artificial trees giving their business a boost.

Vincent Thurkettle, head grower at Manor Farm near Thetford, sold 20pc of his trees by the last week of November, making it one of the most successful starts to the season in more than 50 years.

And with the price of artificial trees going up year on year, he said local growers like himself had been able to keep prices unchanged. 

He said: “Christmas tree growers aren’t as vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy.

“Our trees are growing for 10, sometimes 20 years, and during that time they’re just sitting in the field.

“We’re not shipping things in from abroad so we’re not affected by currency fluctuations like companies that rely on importing goods are.

“We’re not manufacturing, we don’t have heating or electricity costs to pay.

“That allows us to keep prices the same for our customers, and they appreciate that.”

The price of real Christmas trees has remained unchanged in recent years (Image: Newsquest)

What’s more, Mr Thurkettle said people were waking up to the potential sustainability advantages of buying a real tree. 

While artificial trees are often touted as being better for the environment because they can be reused, the grower said there are plenty of disadvantages too.

He said: “Many artificial trees are made from oil, and shipped around the world before they end up in a home. 

“Because of this you’d have to keep it for years before you break even in environmental terms - which a lot of people don’t.

“A real tree brought from a local grower on the other hand doesn’t have those miles associated and its biodegradable.

“You could also buy a potted tree that you could reuse next year.”