Slim Christmas Trees Gain Popularity Among Buyers

For years, the “non-drop” Nordmann Fir has historically been the most favored type of real Christmas tree. However, a grower in the South West reports that a different preference is now emerging among those visiting Christmas tree farms: the skinny tree. Helen Edge, a co-partner at Santa Trees in St Keyne, near Liskeard, stated, “People have come away from big fat trees because they just take up too much room.” The farm, which has been selected to provide the Christmas wreath for the Door of Number 10 Downing Street, noted that fresh trees are sought after, provided they can be accommodated in contemporary residences. Mrs. Edge explained that families find it difficult to position a Christmas tree without rearranging furniture or obstructing the television. She commented, “You end up moving furniture around and a fat tree is too much hassle for people. We find most people now want a slimmer tree.” Sheila and Steve Marrison, residents of St Keyne, visited the farm specifically seeking a slender tree. Mrs. Marrison remarked, “It can sit in the corner so it doesn’t take up too much room and there’s not too much of it for the cat to make a mess of.” This year, Mrs. Edge, alongside her mother and business partner Margaret Dungey, secured the Champion Wreath title at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association for the second occasion. This recognition led to the team being requested to provide the Christmas wreaths for both 10 and 11 Downing Street. Mrs. Edge recounted, “We got invited to see the lights being turned on and for a Champagne reception and canapes inside Number 10.” Santa Trees introduced a new attraction this year: a large wreath intended as a photo backdrop for visitors exploring the farm’s 25,000 trees. Mrs. Edge explained, “This is dad’s creation, he wanted to make a big six foot wreath ring.” She further detailed, “So he made the wreath ring, he welded that together, and then myself and mum decorated it, put the fir on it, then put the lights and baubles on and it’s just a nice photo opportunity for people.” Jethro and Hayley Pooley, along with their children Maggie and Teddy, posed for a photograph by the recently installed wreath. Mr. Pooley stated, “We’ve gone for a four footer (tree) to go in our small house.” The Pooley family has been selecting their Christmas tree from St Keyne for the past six years. Mr. Pooley shared, “We came as a couple to start with, then we had our son and we came with him on his own and then we had a daughter so they’ve grown up with it.” He added, “They are very excited, especially our son.” For more updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.