CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and people will be rushing to put up their Christmas trees soon.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced us to alter many of our plans and regular festive traditions- but if putting up a real tree is one of yours then you are in luck as many Christmas tree farms and sellers are still open for business

There is something special about buying a real tree- especially when you buy it from a local business in County Durham.

Best of all, each tree is unique so you are bound to find a tree that adheres to your personal preferences.

Here are some fantastic places in County Durham to buy your own real Christmas tree- as well as some advice about how to dispose of it afterwards.  

Croft Christmas Trees
Where: Grange Farm Cottages, Jolby Ln, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2TF

(Facebook/ CroftChristmasTreesDarlington)

Croft Christmas Trees are experts when it comes to the festive season.

They have been growing trees since the 80s and their ultimate aim is to grow the tree of your dreams.

They have a wide variety of trees available, including the Normann Fir and the unique Blue Spruce.

They also sell a variety of pot grown trees, which are ideal for smaller spaces.

Best of all, Croft Christmas Trees is open now.

They are open from 8:30-7pm on weekdays, 8:30-5pm on Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday.

Book your appointment online.

Alternatively, you can select your tree online and collect it at a time of your choosing.

Durham Christmas Trees
Where: Heugh Hall Farm, DH65NJ, Durham

(Facebook/ durhamchristmastrees)

This is the company’s first year of trading and they have some truly lovely trees for you to browse.

Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruces and pot grown trees are just some of the trees available to purchase.

The prices range from £25-£85 depending on the size and type of tree you opt for.

A representative for the company said: “We are offering a unique experience for our area with the pick your own trees; families with children in particular have loved coming to the field to find their tree.

“Children can also take part in a reindeer trail around the field.”

Best of all, you can take your dog with you to the field as long as they are kept on a lead.

If you want to get your tree from here, they are open every weekend between 11am-3pm.

Visit the company website to learn more.

Blackburn Farm Christmas Trees
Where: Blackburn Farm, Langley Park, DH79UA

(Facebook/@blackburnfarmdurham)

Prices for the trees here range from £30 to £55.

While they also sell the usual 5-7ft trees, they also have giant 10ft beauties available.

If you don’t want to visit the farm, they might be able to deliver your tree right to your front door- but you would need to contact them privately for more details.

If you want to buy your tree from this farm, you will have to wait until Saturday 28 November.

Until then, visit the company Facebook page to learn more.

Poplar Tree Garden Centre
Where: Hall Ln, Shincliffe, Durham

(Facebook/Poplartreeandbramblescoffeeshop)

Although it might seem like an ordinary garden centre, this place sells real Christmas trees that you can buy online.

Some of these trees are very affordable and prices range from £19.99- £79.99 depending on the size and type of tree you want to purchase.

The Garden Centre sells Nordmann Firs and Norway Spruces- they even have pot grown trees which are ideal for smaller apartments and houses.

Best of all, you can buy your decorations online while you are at it.

Browse their tree selection online.

How to dispose of your Christmas Tree

Once the season’s merriment is over, it’s time to dispose of your Christmas tree.

However, instead of fly tipping there are plenty of ways to dispose of your tree.

You could chop it up and place it in your green bin.

Another option is to take it to your local recycling centre.

The council also collect real Christmas trees for free, so make sure to register.

Are you buying a real Christmas tree this year? Let us know in the comments.