Clinton Devon Estates no longer produces Christmas trees commercially but are pleased to honour the tradition of many years and donate this seasonal decoration to churches, schools and communities with historical links to the Estate.

Each year we select two 30-foot Norway spruce from our woodlands, harvest and deliver the trees to Exeter Cathedral.

For the town of Budleigh Salterton, two Norway spruce (a 15’ and a 20’ tree) were selected and harvested from a local plantation near Exmouth and delivered in time to decorate before the town’s late-night shopping event. In early December we’ll donate and deliver 10-foot trees to many local churches including St Peter’s, Temple Methodist and All Saints, East Budleigh, which we source from a specialist Christmas tree grower.

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) remains the traditional Christmas tree although faster-growing fir species with non-drop properties such as Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) and Noble Fir (Abies nobilis) are now much in favour too. Spruces have branches that typically hang down, which makes them perfect for decorating.

Most cut Christmas trees should last four weeks indoors and far longer in a cool place. They should be treated as you would cut flowers. When you get the tree home leave it outside, or in a cool place until needed. When you are ready to decorate it, make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand that can be topped up with water. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed. After the festivities trees can be disposed of responsibly in green waste bins or local drop-off points organised by EDDC. Alternatively, if you can source a potted tree then this can be planted out and brought in again in future years.

Whether you favour a natural tree or an artificial; I wish all readers of Exmouth Journal a very Happy Christmas with all the beauty, blessings and joy this season brings from everyone at Clinton Devon Estates.