Ahhh the smell of pine - it is so good. We have had a real Christmas tree for the last few years every Christmas - and nothing beats it. On Saturday we headed to Pines and Needles at Brockwell Park in South London to go and pick a tree. There are 20 stores that have popped up throughout London and they also offer delivery too.
We would recommend parking in the small free car park at the Herne Hill entrance, it is just a short walk away through the park. There are lots of trees to choose from - there are small potted ones ranging up to huge 12 foot trees! All the staff were wearing kilts, causing all the kids to ask why? Pines and Needles trees are all grown in Scotland - supporting the HDLF Charity (Human Development & Language Foundation) - building schools in poor rural villages, training Cambodians to become English teachers and supporting graduates with university scholarships and job opportunities.
Last year we had a tall, skinny tree from their sister company The Christmas Forest. I wanted a wider one this year - after chatting to the staff and having a good look around we went for a six foot Nordmann Fir. Our tree was taken to have a bit sawn off the bottom of the trunk, this creates a fresh cut and opens up the pores in the bark, which otherwise can block up with sap within a few hours of being cut. Our tree is a premium non-drop Nordmann Fir, grown over 5-10 years on environmentally sustainable plantations. The trees have been hand pruned and freshly harvested.
It was then put through the wrapping machine - the kids thought this was amazing!
We already have a Christmas tree stand at home, but these are also available to buy along with wreaths, mistletoe and Christmas lights.
My husband carried the tree back to the car, it fitted in there nicely with one of the back seats folded down.
Very important information, if you want your tree to last, keep it away from the radiator and keep it watered. A Christmas tree can drink 2-3 pints (1-2 litres) of water per day and the last thing you want is your tree to be dry and droopy before the big day.
We are really happy with our tree, it is the perfect size and shape, the staff at Brockwell Park were really friendly and we would be happy to use the service again year after year.
*We were gifted our tree in exchange for our honest review of the service*