A FAMILY-run Christmas tree farm in Allostock marks a significant first this year by selling living trees in a bid to help families enjoy a greener yule.

For the first time since it started in 2000, family-owned TJ Christmas Tree Farm will be selling 3,000 container-grown living Christmas trees in addition to its stock of cut trees.

The idea was conceived by Tom Liptrott, arborist at the business, who planted 3,000 saplings on the family’s farm just outside Knutsford in 2014. Six years on, these tiny saplings are now almost four feet tall and ready to be sold.

Tom said: “The Nordmann Fir, which is what we specialise in, takes around eight years to reach a height of six foot. So, our three to four-foot container-grown trees can be enjoyed at home for years to come. 

“Some people like to keep them in their pots and others find a space to plant them in their garden. When it comes to buying a Christmas tree, it’s the greenest option there is. Plus, I think it adds a little bit of magic for people to grow their own Christmas tree.”

The 19-year-old was inspired to make the changes in a bid to reduce the businesses environmental impact.

He said: “My aspiration for the business is to do as much as possible to reduce our impact on the planet. For this reason, I’m hoping that many people will consider buying a real tree this year – cut or container-grown.

“People aren’t sure if cut trees have the same carbon footprint as plastic ones if they end up in landfill. To be clear, an average-height cut tree that is disposed of properly – through chipping or burning – produces roughly 3.5kg of CO2; or 16kg of CO2 if you put it into landfill. Whereas a plastic tree will produce 40kg of CO2 and can take up to a thousand years to decompose.”

The trees will be available to purchase from Saturday 28th November and measures have been made to ensure the site is COVID safe.

For more information visit tjchristmastreefarm.co.uk