How to rent a Christmas tree

With all of us trying to be a bit more sustainable in our homes, Christmas time is no different and renting Christmas trees is becoming an ever popular trend to reduce waste. Climate organisation WRAP estimates that the UK dumps 160,000 tonnes of trees each January, so a rental is a greener Christmas tree alternative worth considering.

Renting trees rather than chopping them down and using them once, supports a circular ecomony, which means instead of taking resources from the earth, using them once, and disposing of them in landfill, we keep them in use for as long as possible. We make sure that we gain the maximum benefit from them while reducing negative environmental impacts.

Rented Christmas trees come in a variety of types and are usually in pots, meaning you can continue to nurture them while they stay in your house, before being returned to their original home to continue to grow ready for next Christmas.

How does renting a Christmas tree work?

1 - Find a supplier

If you’re looking to rent a Christmas tree near you, don’t worry they’re not only available in London, there are farms and garden centres across the UK that offer a rental Christmas tree service.

2 - Collect your tree

As with choosing your own cut tree, most organisations allow you to either visit the farm in person and pick your tree from a selection, or get it delivered from them after picking your required height.

3 - Enjoy your tree

Decorate your tree, enjoy it, love it, for the whole Christmas period! And make sure you take good care of it, as it's a rental the supplier will expect it to be in good condition when they come to collect it.

4 - Return your tree

On an agreed date, the farm will come to collect your tree and take it back to their base, where it will be cared for ready until next year. Depending on your local supplier's policy you may need to put the tree outside by the road at a certain time for collection, or they may pick it up from your house. You'll need to remove all decorations and may also need to keep hold of certain documents as proof of purchase, so keep these somewhere safe.

Benefits of renting a Christmas tree

Sustainable

Environmentally, the benefits of renting a Christmas tree are considerable. Not only are you keeping a tree in circulation rather than cutting it down (therefore reducing environmental CO2), you're also reducing waste as well as pollution.

Christmas trees take around 10-12 years to grow to the most popular size of 6 feet. During that time, they provide a habitat for wildlife and capture carbon from the atmosphere. If they're allowed to continue to grow rather than being cut down, they continue to offer these benefits.

Supports local businesses

It goes without saying, the more locally the tree is sourced the better, as it reduces the miles travelled, and supports the local economy and the hard work put in growing the trees. As with getting your local free-range turkey, it's lovely to know exactly where your tree has come from and that it's been well-cared for.

You still get a real tree

Some people opt for a fake tree in the hopes that it is the more environmentally-friendly option, but then you miss out on the smell, feel and look of a real tree. If you rent a Christmas tree you still get the whole package, plus the added bonus of knowing you're doing a good thing for the environment.

No needle dropping!

Since they're alive these potted trees won't drop needles all over your house, definitely a big bonus!

Saves you having to get rid of the old one

While we love having a real tree, it can be a bit of a head scratcher knowing what to do with it when the new year comes around. While some councils offer recycling services there isn't always a local collection, which can mean heaving it into the back of the car and trying your best not to end up with your vehicle covered in needles for the rest of its existence. Renting a tree takes this stress away completely, and collection is a lot more common than you needing to take it back to the supplier.

Where to rent a Christmas tree

As mentioned above, there are lots of options across the UK for places to rent a Christmas tree. Try searching for local Christmas tree farms near you, it's quite possible they already offer the option for rental.

These are a few we've found across the UK – some only deliver to local postcodes, and some supply their trees UK-wide.

How to care for your rental Christmas tree

if you've had a real Christmas tree before, whether cut or potted, you'll know that you have to care for it to keep your Christmas tree looking it's best for longer. Christmas tree rental company Love A Christmas Tree have the following tips for looking after your Christmas tree. It’s worth pointing out that some rental companies may not accept returns of trees that have not been properly looked after, and you may end up losing your deposit, so it's worth taking note of the care instructions provided by your Christmas tree supplier.

Water your tree

Depending on the size of your rented tree it may be thirstier than others, some suppliers recommend watering every day, but first check if the soil is moist. Over watering can lead to the roots becoming waterlogged.

Avoid heat shock

If the tree has gone straight from cold temperatures into your home it can be shock to the tree which can cause damage. If possible it is best to acclimatise your tree in a garage of shed for a few days before bringing it into the house.

Don't put it out in the cold

Similarly if after Christmas you'd prefer to store the tree outside before pick up, ensure it has a few days in the shed or garage to help it adjust.

Consider location

Avoid placing your tree too near to heat sources such as radiators or fires as they will make the tree dry out quickly. This could lead to needle-drop and damage to the tree.

No trimming

Don't trim your tree, or cut the top off to make more space for your angel or star – these trees are alive and won't appreciate being chopped.

Give it space

Measure the height and width of the area you'd like to put your tree, and make sure there will be enough space for it to fit as trees can be claustrophobic!