A Day in the Life of a Christmas Tree Grower
Ever wonder how your Christmas tree is nurtured, when to buy it and how to make it last? Meet two brothers in the know
Dripping in decorations and twinkling with lights, the Christmas tree is a festive essential in living rooms around the world.
We caught up with brothers Sam and Josh Lyle of Pines and Needles to find out just what it takes to become a Christmas tree grower. The brothers started their business 21 years ago by selling trees outside their family’s London dry cleaner when they were still in school. They have since grown their enterprise into a year-round business, supplying trees to Sir Elton John, Madonna and One Direction along the way.
We quizzed them on how to keep a Christmas tree alive, which type to buy — and what they do during the other 11 months of the year.
We caught up with brothers Sam and Josh Lyle of Pines and Needles to find out just what it takes to become a Christmas tree grower. The brothers started their business 21 years ago by selling trees outside their family’s London dry cleaner when they were still in school. They have since grown their enterprise into a year-round business, supplying trees to Sir Elton John, Madonna and One Direction along the way.
We quizzed them on how to keep a Christmas tree alive, which type to buy — and what they do during the other 11 months of the year.
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“We carried on doing it throughout school and university days and grew the business organically,” Sam says. “We initially planted 1,000 trees. Today, we plant 60,000 a year. We now have two plantations in Scotland growing our firs.”
Do you work all year round?
“The day-to-day life of a Christmas tree grower is pretty good fun,” Josh says. “And, as with all farming, it’s very varied depending on the season.”
Far from a seasonal job, however, it’s a year-round business for the brothers.
“October to December is high-stress, round-the-clock planning and logistics for the harvest and retail of the trees,” Josh says. “January and February are relatively quiet. March and April are planting, while pruning and quality control are year-round jobs — especially in the middle of the growing season in late June and early July.”
“The day-to-day life of a Christmas tree grower is pretty good fun,” Josh says. “And, as with all farming, it’s very varied depending on the season.”
Far from a seasonal job, however, it’s a year-round business for the brothers.
“October to December is high-stress, round-the-clock planning and logistics for the harvest and retail of the trees,” Josh says. “January and February are relatively quiet. March and April are planting, while pruning and quality control are year-round jobs — especially in the middle of the growing season in late June and early July.”
Which type of tree should I buy? The Nordmann fir is by far the most popular, Sam and Josh say. While Nordmanns historically have been imported from Denmark, the species is also grown in the U.K. and makes up most of the stock sold by the brothers.
“This is because of its soft branches and excellent needle retention,” Josh says. “We estimate 95 percent of the trees sold in the U.K. to be Nordmann firs.”
“This is because of its soft branches and excellent needle retention,” Josh says. “We estimate 95 percent of the trees sold in the U.K. to be Nordmann firs.”
When should I buy my tree? “It’s difficult to say which day is best for buying your tree, as this completely depends on the family, the culture and the tradition,” Sam says. “Americans seem to love to get their trees early and enjoy the ambience created for their parties and gatherings throughout December. Russian and Polish customers seem to like to follow their traditions of getting trees just a day or two before Christmas. For our family, we like to get the tree on the first weekend of December.”
As a rule, the brothers suggest the Nordmann fir for their U.K. customers who like to decorate early, because it stays fresh longer. If you prefer a Norway spruce, they recommend it be delivered after Dec. 10, since it has a limited shelf life. The spruce probably won’t last until Christmas otherwise.
Potted trees still have their roots intact and can be ordered anytime.
Potted trees still have their roots intact and can be ordered anytime.
How do I stop needles from dropping all over the floor? This simple tip will help your tree last as long as possible: “Think of trees like cut flowers,” Josh says. “They need water to keep them fresh and lovely. As such, a water-holding stand is essential.”
A cut Christmas tree can drink 2 to 3 pints of water per day, depending on its size and your central heating settings.
To keep your tree forest-fresh, the brothers recommend positioning it away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces. Heat will dry out your tree faster, so the farther away you can place it, the fresher it will remain.
A cut Christmas tree can drink 2 to 3 pints of water per day, depending on its size and your central heating settings.
To keep your tree forest-fresh, the brothers recommend positioning it away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces. Heat will dry out your tree faster, so the farther away you can place it, the fresher it will remain.
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Does the magic of Christmas ever wear thin? “No,” Sam says. “It’s a wonderful festival bringing families together and reminding us to appreciate the people in our lives.
“Growing and selling a beautiful, feel-good-factor product is very satisfying — and we feel very fortunate to do it.”
When do you like to buy your tree? Does it have to be real, or have you been won over by an artificial one? Tell us in the Comments below.
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“Growing and selling a beautiful, feel-good-factor product is very satisfying — and we feel very fortunate to do it.”
When do you like to buy your tree? Does it have to be real, or have you been won over by an artificial one? Tell us in the Comments below.
More
10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays
Find Your Christmas Tree Personality
“I was 13 and Josh was 15 at the time. We sold them and thought it was great pocket money!”