How to rent a Christmas tree, are they real ones and how much does it cost?
CHRISTMAS is only around the corner and lots of people are trying to find out how to rent a tree.
Brits have been urged by environmental campaigners, including actress Emma Thompson, to rent Christmas trees this year in a bid to help the environment.
With over seven million trees entering the landfill in the UK each year after the festive season, switching to a tree-borrowing service is one that is far kinder to the planet.
This year, many farms across the UK are offering customers the chance to hire their own trees for the first time.
Millions of us in the run-up to Christmas spend weeks hunting down the perfect tree.
The Sun has found out all you need to know about borrowing Christmas trees ahead of the festive season.
How to rent a Christmas tree?
The best way to go about finding a service where you can rent trees is by googling for a service in your local area.
Don't be afraid to shop around and find the best deal.
Renting a tree works by simply borrowing it from a farm and then returning it once Christmas is over.
All you need to do is find a company in your local area who offer the services and choose the tree you want to get your hands on.
Then, take it home for Christmas, decorate it as usual and enjoy it in your home.
Once January comes around, you can drop it back off where it will be replanted for next year.
Can you rent a real Christmas tree?
You will be glad to hear that you can rent real Christmas trees over the festive period.
Rental tree companies will make you pay a small deposit before you take it away.
You won't be limited on the decorations you use by renting a tree, so don't be afraid to go all out with the tinsel and lights this Christmas.
Check out this list of retailers who rent out Christmas trees
We found some of the best retailers who rent out Christmas trees
How much does it cost?
Depending on the company, you can rent trees from around £20-£50.
Of course, this is all down to your size and where you loan it from.
We did some shopping around and found that in Gloucestershire has developed a reputation for living tree rental - allowing customers to come and choose and bring home their own tree, and then return it back to the farm for safe-keeping until next year rolls around.
According to the Primrose Vale Farm shop website, rentals start from £20 for a 3ft tree.
is also part of Primrose Vale Farm's company and only charges you £2.50 more for a 3ft tree.
Primrose Vale Farm don’t sell their trees online but are available to pick up in store.
All of their pricing includes a £15 deposit.
But if you leave your £15 deposit with them when you return your tree, you can even reserve the same specific tree for next year’s celebration.
You will be able to get your deposit back when you return the tree after Christmas.
We had a look at range in Leicestershire and noticed that they are renting out a 4ft tree for £35 which is much cheaper than Rental Christmas Trees 4ft one costing £48, which is £13 more expensive.
Is it good for the environment?
Transporting and disposing of the cut trees is what has the greatest impact on the planet.
The says a 2m-tall cut Christmas tree that ends up in landfill has a carbon footprint of 16kg.
One that is recycled produces about 3.5kg.
Meanwhile, a 2m-tall artificial tree has a carbon footprint of about 40kg.
Many councils will pick up real trees as green waste and send them for incineration or for shredding to make compost.
Despite this, the government estimates that the nation’s dumped Christmas trees still generate 160,000 tonnes of waste every year.
Renting a tree allows customers to virtually cancel out this problem.
Growing a tree in the garden would be the greenest option of all, as it would cut all transport emissions.
If your tree dies, you will need to dispose of it properly and not just add it to the Christmas tree graveyard.
According to , real trees are recyclable, and your old tree can be shredded into chippings and used for parks and woodland areas.
Their helps you find your local authority's website so you can see what the deal is in your area.
The best way to dispose of your tree is take it to your local tip and add to the garden waste skip.
Dumping your tree with your rubbish means it will end up in landfill.
To keep your tree alive, make sure you fill the stand immediately after you cut the trunk.
But, if you forget, most trees will be OK if you fill the stand within 24 hours.
It's always a good idea to use tap water to keep your tree looking fresh.
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