Christmas is a month away which calls for one thing - it’s time to dig out the decorations and go and choose your Christmas tree. 

Whether you put your tree up on December 1 or like to leave it until the very last minute, there’s a few things everyone needs to know about picking out their tree this year. 

Why do we put up Christmas trees?

The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate Christian and Pagan winter festivals for thousands of years. 

Pagans used branches of the fir tree to decorate their homes during the winter soltice as it made them think of the spring to come. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. 

When should you put it up?

Advent officially behins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, this year falling on Sunday, November 29 - meaning it’s completely acceptable to put your tree up in November, hoorah!

However, there’s no right or wrong and if you want to put your tree up before or after Advent then so be it, we think you’re allowed to this year especially. 

How long do they last? 

With proper care, most real Christmas trees should last at least five weeks or more. That means, if you decorate for Christmas in late November, your tree should survive beyond the holiday festivities. 

Where can I get a real Christmas tree in Oxfordshire? Oxford Mail:

(Image - Unsplash)

Oxford Garden Centre

The Oxford Garden Centre is a Christmassy mecca with a selection of trees to choose from including Nordmann Firs and Blue Spruce's, famous for their iconic colour. 

You can walk around the store and choose your own or order your Christmas tree online for delivery or collection. 

Opening times:

9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday

10.30am - 4.30pm Sunday

The Oxford Christmas Company

NICHOLSONS, North Aston,
Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL

If you're unable to go and choose your own fir this year do not fear as The Oxford Christmas Company's elves can deliver your tree straight to your door. 

They offer top of the range Nordmann non-drop firs from 4ft for £45 and 8ft for £98. 

Delivery in the county costs £10 to £15 depending on your location.

There are a range of Christmassy accessories to choose from on their website too that can be delivered with your tree. 

The Tree Barn, Christmas Tree Common

Greenfield Farm, Christmas Common, Watlington, Oxon, OX49 5HG

If you're looking for a truly magical tree-picking experience then The Tree Barn is the ideal place to visit.

Christmas trees from The Tree Barn are practically all grown on site with more than five varities to choose from.

Trees include the Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir and the Lasio Carpa which is similar to the Blue Spruce without the prickles.

Prices start at £15 for a 3ft Norway Spruce and go up to £1,260 for a massive 30 to 32ft tree. 

Opening times:

9am - 5.30 Saturday to Wednesday 

9am - 7.30 Thursday and Friday

Highfield Trees

Baldon Ln, Marsh Baldon, Oxford OX44 9LT

Specially grown in Oxfordshire, the Christmas trees at Highfield are of an impeccable quality.

There are Nordmann Firs and Norway Spruces to choose from in their tree plantation. 

Each day a range of trees are cut, ensuring there is something to suit everyone's budget - trees start at £15. 

Opening times:

10am - 4pm daily. 

How do I dispose of my tree after Christmas?

Trees should be cut up and placed inside their licensed garden bin.

However, if your garden waste bin is full, the tree can be cut up and left next to the full bin for collection. 

Trees larger than 3ft should be cut into manageable pieces.

Alternatively companies including the Oxford Garden Centre and The Oxford Christmas Company can collect your tree/s for a substantial fee. 

Will you be getting a real tree or sticking with your favourite artificial one? Let us know in the comments.