Why buy a real British Christmas tree and how to find a local grower

Updated

Buying a real, British-grown Christmas tree supports local growers and, according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), gives you a tree with a significantly lower carbon footprint than an artificial one. You can find one through the BCTGA's "Find a Tree" and "Buy a Tree Near You" services, and look for the BCTGA logo as a sign of a quality, local tree. The sections below explain the benefits, how to locate a grower, and what to check before you buy.

Why choose a real British tree

The BCTGA sets out three main reasons, and each is worth weighing against the convenience of an artificial tree.

  • Authenticity. A real tree works as a centrepiece and brings the evergreen scent associated with Christmas. It can be decorated with ornaments collected over the years.
  • Environment. A growing tree absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which an artificial tree cannot do. The BCTGA cites the Carbon Trust in stating that a real Christmas tree has a significantly lower carbon footprint than an artificial tree.
  • Experience. Visiting a British grower to choose your tree can become a family tradition in the run-up to Christmas.

The association represents more than 300 members who sell approximately 5 million trees per year (IPSOS survey 2023), so the network of British growers is substantial.

How to find a local grower

The BCTGA website provides two routes for buyers:

  1. Find a Tree — a directory for locating growers and retailers.
  2. Buy a Tree Near You — a location-based way to find a nearby seller.

Both are listed in the site navigation alongside "Choose the Right Tree," which is the section to read before you set out. If you are buying for a business rather than a home, the site also publishes a Wholesale List (the 2026 list is referenced on the site).

What the BCTGA logo tells you

The BCTGA provides a logo that acts as a "kite mark," giving consumers confidence that they have bought a quality, local Christmas tree. When you buy from a member, look for this mark as your assurance of both quality and British sourcing.

Choosing the right tree for your home

The BCTGA's "Choose the Right Tree" page is the place to start, because the best species and size depend on your space and how you plan to display it. Before you visit a grower, decide:

  • Where the tree will stand — measure the height available, including the space for a stand and topper.
  • How wide the room allows the tree to be — a fuller tree needs more floor space.
  • Whether you want to select the tree in person — visiting a grower lets you check shape and freshness directly, and turns the purchase into the family outing the BCTGA describes.

Who the BCTGA is for

The association is a trade body for people growing sustainable Christmas trees in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Full membership is open to those who grow, or intend to grow, trees for the Christmas retail and wholesale market. Associate membership is available for businesses that provide goods and services to the sector. If you are a consumer, the practical value is the grower directory and the kite mark; if you are a grower, membership brings information, trials, open days, competitions and a community of other growers.

For questions, the association lists a phone number (01423 546160) and an email address ([email protected]). Members also have a login area on the site.