What is the best type of tree to buy this year?

The three main varieties on offer for his customers to buy are Norway spruce, blue spruce and Nordmann fir. They are usually grown in a seven or eight-year cycle.

"If you want a six foot tree, it has probably taken six years to grow," Nick said.

"People buy whatever tree they like the look of, but there are differences in price.

"A six foot Nordmann fir will set you back about £28, while the equivalent Norway spruce will be about £17.

"The Nordmann has a lower needle drop, but as long as you look after your tree and keep it watered, it should be fine."

At Top Barn Farms, in Holt Heath, farmer John Harper has been busy tending to the 15,000 to 20,000 trees he grows.

He sells the same varieties as Leigh Sinton, along with Serbian spruce trees.

"If you are wanting a real Christmas smell, I would go for a spruce as they smell better," he said.

"The Nordmann fir, however, looks more like an artificial tree and holds its needles better.

"But the trick for whatever tree you buy is to keep it topped up with water - we sell some great stands which can enable you to do this."

Both farms also offer delivery of your tree.

A guide to the best Christmas trees: Nordmann Fir: Originally from southern Russia, this tree has become increasingly popular as a Christmas tree in Denmark. It has flatter needles and will hold them better. It is shinier with an almost artificial' look.

Blue Spruce: This tree has a strong blue tinge to its needles which makes it a very desirable Christmas tree. It has finer needles which tend to drop easier than a fir.

Serbian Spruce: A long-term favourite in central Europe. This tree's natural growing range is a very narrow region around the Drina valley in the Tara mountains of the Serbian republic. Gives off a nice aroma.

Norway Spruce: The traditional Christmas tree found in many of our homes during December. It has pointed mid-green needles, standing on tiny pegs. Tends to be around half the price of an equivalent sized Nordmann fir.

How to keep your real Christmas tree in top condition over the entire festive period:

1. Keep your fresh cut tree in water outside until you need it.

2. Cut half an inch off the butt to open the tree's pores.

3. Mount it in a water-holding stand or wedge it in a bucket with pebbles, small stones or screwed up newspaper (not earth or sand), and place it away from direct heat.

4. Keep the container topped up with water every day - you may well be surprised at how much water it needs.

5. Water sprays have a limited value, but they do help to reduce the transpiration of moisture form the needles.

6. Varieties of fir and pine generally hold their needles better than spruce trees.

7. British-grown trees are likely to be fresher than imported trees. The freshest trees will be those bought direct from the grower.

10 REASONS TO PICK UP A REAL TREE GROWN IN WORCESTERSHIRE

1. Real trees look fantastic and fill your home with the traditional scent of Christmas - there is now a huge variety of real trees to suit all tastes available from your local grower.

2. Throughout their growth cycle, Christmas trees recycle carbon dioxide by turning it into fresh oxygen - just one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support 18 people and for every tree cut this year at least one more will be planted in its place.

3. Tree farms provide habitat for wildlife and several species of bird - British Christmas Tree Growers' Association members take account of these habitats.

4. A British grown tree, bought from your local BCTGA member, is environmentally sound - no long haul transportation is involved and all members of the BCTGA subscribe to a code of conduct which ensures their crops are sustainable and do not cause damage to the local wildlife.

5. Buying a tree from your local BCTGA member guarantees the tree will be of good quality and freshly harvested - if you are unable to go along and choose a tree yourself many growers now offer a mail delivery service.

6. Increasingly people are buying container or potted trees and replanting them in January - doing their bit for the environment and saving money on next year's tree.

7. After Christmas, your real tree can be recycled by taking it down to the local council tip where it will be chipped and turned into compost - some local councils offer a collection service for this.

8. Artificial trees are non-biodegradable and the manufacturing process contributes noxious fumes to the environment. If thrown away, artificial trees will spend centuries degrading in landfill sites and, if burnt, they can release deadly toxins into the air.

9. The long-haul transport of artificial trees manufactured abroad, impacts the environment and adds to carbon emissions.

10. Generally an artificial tree only becomes more cost effective than a real tree if used for several years.

The following Worcestershire growers are all members of the BCTGA: Leigh Sinton Farm Christmas Trees, B4503, Lower Interfield, near Malvern.

Grove Farm, Worcester Western Bypass Roundabout, Worcester.

John Harper - Top Barn Farm, Holt, near Worcester.

Churchill Forest Nursery, Kidderminster.

Smart Cut, Pershore.

G A Baker, Stourport-on-Severn.