Tree-mendous news for farms
Growers have welcomed the news that Christmas tree farms can sell their trees before lockdown ends.
Specialist Christmas tree sellers, farms and stalls were allowed to reopen for sales in England at the weekend, after the government changed the lockdown rules to reclassify them as 'essential' retailers.
At Essington Farm, in Wolverhampton, a popular destination for families to purchase real trees, staff are welcoming the clear advice from the government.
Richard Simkin, co-owner of the farm, said: "We have been open throughout the pandemic, but there is so much confusion around what can and cannot open.
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"Now we have a clear instruction that people can come and buy Christmas trees.
"Christmas doesn't wait for the pandemic, so it's nice to have clarification."
Richard added: "We have noticed that people have been asking about trees earlier. I think a lot of people are buying them early this year and putting up decorations early to cheer themselves up.
"We've already sold a number of potted trees which still have the roots on, and will start selling cut ones this weekend.
"If people are thinking of buying a tree early it is more important than ever to keep it watered.
"You wouldn't dream of leaving flowers in a vase with no water.
"If you are getting a cut tree, cut another half inch off the trunk and keep it in a container of water and make sure it is well watered to make sure it lasts."
