I remember as a child getting your real Christmas tree signified the start of the Christmas festivities and meant carol concerts, nativity plays and the arrival of Father Christmas was getting even closer.  It has become an annual tradition with the mini Mumblers now to pick and cut their own tree and Methley Christmas Tree farm is a relaxed family experience where you can do that.  Methley offers a variety of real, estate grown Christmas Trees and not only can you pick a tree but you can even cut one down yourself if you want !

When we arrived at the Methley Estate (signposted just off the A639) there was plenty of parking space and it was the site of what is through the rest of the year a normal working farm.  However, for the Christmas period, a number of the outbuildings and sheds have been converted and house all of the trees Christmas shops and cafe.

After parking up we went to explore and went into the main outbuilding where there were hundreds of trees all separated into different sizes and different types.  The team that worked there were really knowledgeable about the different types of trees and were able to give advice on which type of tree was best depending on what your requirements were.  They sell Nordman Fir, Fraser Fir and Norway Spruce trees.

They were also really easy to get a proper look at as the trees were either hung from the ceiling or in stands so were stood upright meaning you could see straight away if it was not only the right height but had the right spread of branches – unlike many other places where the trees are already parcelled up and you get a surprise when you get home.

After we had taken a look inside we then went out into the field to pick a tree and cut it down ourselves.  We were given a saw (there were lots to choose from and some of a size that were ideal for the mini Mumblers) but there were also spades in case you wanted a tree with its roots that you could replant at home.   We then set about picking a tree and there were so many to pick from.  You could also see where younger trees were growing for future years – it normally takes 6 to 10 years for a tree to grow to the size most want.  For every tree cut there is at least one more planted in its place which gave me confidence that the tree was coming from a sustainable source (and not taken from natural woodland).

The mini Mumblers picked a tree and we started to cut it down.  It took no more than a few minutes and the mini Mumblers were able to help with their saw.  At the end of the field there was then someone to help put a wrap around it meaning it was easier to transport and would fit in the back of the car.

We were given some top tips on how to keep our tree fresh all through the Christmas period:

• Once brought home cut the bottom 1cm from the base of the trunk and keep the tree outdoors standing in a container of water sheltered from the wind and sun. This will help the tree retain its moisture until you’re ready to bring into the house for decorating.
• Before bringing the tree into your house and placing it in a stand, cut another 1cm off the base of the trunk which ensures that the tree stem is open and can take up water.
• When in the house use a water holding stand filled with fresh water and check the level every day topping up as necessary – Christmas trees are very thirsty and can use up to 2 litres of water every day.

Having picked our tree we had a look around the Christmas Shop which had a great choice of Christmas decorations, tree stands, lights and wreaths (we even found a cheeky Elf hiding!).  On site there is also a cafe serving bacon and sausage sandwiches a range of cakes, some VERY large brownies and hot and cold drinks.

Overall we spent a good hour picking and cutting down our tree and it was a great experience to do as a family – the mini Mumblers are now even more excited for Christmas!

The team at Methley Christmas Trees were all extremely helpful and more than willing to help and offer advice.

For further information visit methleychristmastrees.co.uk or follow them on Facebook here.

Methley Christmas Trees is open daily 9am – 5pm until 22nd December 2019.

Methley Estate, Home Farm, Methley, LS26 9DU. Tel: 07922 896598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Mumbler was not paid for this review and our views are open and honest, we did however receive a complimentary tree.