Care & questions
Looking aftera real tree.
A real tree is a living thing: water it, keep it cool, and it’ll look after you. Anything we haven’t answered, call Alex on 07533 321529.
Looking after your tree
What should I do when I get it home?
Take an inch or so off the bottom of the trunk before it goes in the stand. A fresh cut stops the trunk being sealed by its own sap, so the tree can drink. If it's going up straight away, ask and we'll do it for you at the pitch. If it isn't going up yet, stand it outside in a bucket of water somewhere sheltered.
How do I stop it dropping?
General advice: water it every day using a stand that holds water, and keep it away from radiators, fires and direct heat. A well-watered tree holds its needles far longer.
How much water does it need?
General advice: more than you'd think, especially in the first few days. Check the stand every morning and never let it run dry.
What do I do with it after Christmas?
Real trees can be recycled. Check your local council's collection dates in January for East Hampshire, Basingstoke and Deane, or Woking.
General tree-care advice.
Ordering and collecting
How do I pay?
When you collect your tree at the pitch, or when we deliver it. We take cash and card. Ordering online just sends Alex an email with your order; nothing is paid online.
Is my tree reserved as soon as I order?
Your order is a request until Alex replies to confirm it. That's because we do sell out: in 2023 and 2025 some sizes had gone by mid-December. Order early and you'll be first in line.
Can you deliver?
Yes. Delivery is free within 5 miles of each of our pitches, and further away a delivery fee may apply. Choose delivery when you order and pop in your postcode: the form tells you straight away if you're in the free area. Brookwood is collection only.
Do you net and trim the trees?
Yes. Every tree can go through our netting machine so it travels home tidy, and if it's going up straight away we'll take an inch or so off the base for you. Just ask.
Where are your trees grown?
Locally, near Winchester. We've been selling them in Alton and the surrounding area for over ten years.
When are you open?
Alton opens on Friday 27 November, the night of the Alton lights switch-on. Lower Farringdon, Herriard, Brookwood and Bramdean open on Saturday 28 November. We're open until the trees sell out. As stock goes our other pitches close, but Alton is always the last one open. It's a busy time of year, so it's always worth giving Alex a call.
What do the coloured tags mean?
They tell you the grade and size at a glance. Premium trees have a different colour for each height: yellow 4 to 5ft, blue 5 to 6ft, pink 6 to 7ft, orange 7 to 8ft and green 8 to 9ft (larger Premium trees on request). Classic trees have a red tag and come from 5 to 9ft. Quirky trees have a white tag or none, from 4 to 9ft.
What sizes do you have?
Premium from 4 to 9ft (larger on request), Classic from 5 to 9ft and Quirky from 4 to 9ft. Use “Will it fit?” on the trees page to find the right height for your ceiling.
What if it's pouring with rain?
We're open unless the weather is extreme, and Herriard is undercover. In bad weather it's worth ringing Alex before you set off, and we can deliver your tree whatever the weather.