Christmas tree farmer in Dorset says we need to buy locally this year to protect the environment
Many trees are imported each year, leaving a significant carbon footprint
Last updated 6th Nov 2021
A Christmas tree farmer in Dorset is urging people to be more sustainable this Christmas by supporting local growers.
Pete Hyde, owner of Trinity Street Christmas Trees in Dorchester, has been growing trees for the last 10 years.
He says buying them locally would cut down on the waste from artificial trees and support sustainable growth in the county.
He told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"There is a massive difference between real Christmas trees and artificial trees. Real Christmas trees are a real benefit for the environment.
"Artificial trees are used for a few years, maybe three or four years, but in reality they end up in landfill.
"They are continually absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen, and providing a home for wildlife. We need to be doing everything possible for the environment going forward."
They take around ten years to grow before they are harvested.
Many trees are grown abroad and imported from countries like Denmark - meaning they have much greater carbon footprint that those grown in the UK.
Pete added:
"We've tried to grow more and more trees of our own locally, which makes more sense.
"We need to be doing everything we possibly can for the benefit of environment going forward."