IT'S not only young men who need a bit of hormone control as the summer hots up - Christmas trees need to be watched closely as well.

The sight of a sunny day gives them the urge to grow in all sorts of directions and something has to be done about it if there's going to be any energy left for the festive season.

In fact, ironically, high summer is one of the busiest times of the year in the Christmas tree trade.

"It's the time when we make sure the trees are the right shape for your home," said Nick Beard, who runs Leigh Sinton Farms, the Christmas tree specialists just west of Worcester.

The business has more than 100 acres of trees split between Grove Farm, Rushwick and Interfields on the edge of Leigh Sinton and is currently working flat out on maintenance.

"One of the most important jobs is hormone control," Nick said. "The trees get carried away by the sight of a bit of sun. At this time of the year they are all flushed and sprouting all over the place.

"Hormone control involves brushing the tops of the trees with a special liquid to inhibit their growth. Otherwise you would have long, stem-like tops that would be out of proportion.

"Also there is bud nipping. This is done to make sure the tree grows in a proper shape and doesn't become all straggly. It thickens up the tree to maintain the traditional outline.

"Both these processes are very labnour-intensive, because each individual tree has to be done separately.

"Finally, of course, there is weed control of the woodlands, so they don't become overgrown.

"It might seem strange to anyone not involved in the Christmas tree business, but summer is probably our most hectic time."

Leigh Sinton Farms grows three types of tree. The vast majority, around 80 per cent, are Nordman fir, the low needle-drop variety that has become so popular in recent years.

About 15 per cent are the traditional Norway spruce, while the remainder are the decorative blue spruce.

"We start harvesting for the retail trade at the end of November," said Nick.

"It might seem a long way away, but we've got to lay the groundwork now to get things right, "Christmas tree growing is a year-round job."

Like a pet dog, it's not just for Christmas.