This weekend marks the start of Advent which means it’s officially time to put up your Christmas Tree - hoorah!

If you’re choosing to get a real tree this year but aren’t sure where to get one or even if you can this year, we’ve got all of the answers:

When did the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree start?

Decorating your home with an evergreen fir tree has been a tradition for much longer than you may think.

Christians and Pagans have used the tree to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years.

Pagans used branches of the fir tree to decorate their homes during the winter soltice as it made them think of the spring to come. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. 

When should you put it up?

Advent officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, this year falling on Sunday, November 29.

However, there’s no right or wrong and if you want to put your tree up before or after Advent then so be it, we think you’re allowed to this year especially. 

How long do they last? 

With proper care, most real Christmas trees should last at least five weeks or more. That means, if you decorate for Christmas in late November, your tree should survive beyond the holiday festivities. 

Where can I get a real Christmas tree in Dorset? 

Dorset Echo:

(Image - Unsplash)

Trinity Street Christmas Trees

Dorchester - Trinity Street. Weymouth - Morrisons, Dorchester Road. Bridport - 8 West Bay Road. 

Supplying Christmas trees to Dorset for more than 25 years, Trinity Street Christmas Trees are truly festive legends. 

They supply Nordman Fir Christmas Trees, Noble Fir Christmas Trees, Fraser Fir Christmas Trees plus the traditional spruces, all hand selected for the perfect shape starting at £25.

When choosing your tree there are friendly staff on hand to help you pick the perfect one and they will even carry it to your car. 

If you are unable to get to one of their shops you can order online for free delivery.

The expert team at Trinity Street Christmas Trees tend to the firs all year round to ensure they are the finest quality and shape. 

Opening times: 

10am - 8pm Monday to Saturday

10am - 5pm Sunday

Cranborne Christmas Tree Farm

Cranborne Christmas Tree Farm, Daggons Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge, SP6 3DN

Selling trees since 1980 the experts at Cranborne Christmas Tree Farm first opened their plantation to the public in 2011. 

Since then visiting the farm has become a Christmas tradition for many families, picking their own tree from the field of hundreds. 

The iconic non-drop Nordmann Fir prices start at £24 for a 3ft tree and go up to £97 or a 14-15ft tree. 

Whereas the Norway Spruce is a cheaper alternative with prices starting at £17 for a 3ft tree up to £67 for a 14-15ft tree.

Opening times:

9.30 am - 4pm daily (retail shop)

9.30 am - 3.30pm Friday to Sunday (tree field)

If you are visiting on a Saturday or Sunday you will need to book an arrival time online.

Moors Valley

Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET

If you're looking for a truly magical tree-picking experience then Moors Valley is the ideal place to visit.

Christmas trees from Moors Valley include Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir and they help to support sustainable forestry in Britain.

There is a one way system in place to browse the trees and you are encourage to pay by contactless where possible. 

You can also enjoy a hot chocolate or even test your knowledge in their free 2020 Christmas Quiz Trail. 

Opening times:

10am - 4pm daily from December 1 to 16.

Bailey Ridge Christmas Trees

Bailey Ridge, Between Sherborne And Leigh, Sheborne, DT9 6HU

Established in 1999 Bailey Ridge Christmas Trees near Sherborne sit on a 4-acre plantation that you can wander to select your perfect tree.

They also offer pre-cut and rooted trees grown in pots including Fraser Fir, Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce.

For a truly Christmassy experience Bailey Ridge also have santa visits and live reindeer throughout the season. 

Opening times:

8.30 am - 5.30 pm daily between December 1 and 24. 

How do I dispose of my tree after Christmas?

Dorset Council advise cutting your tree into small pieces and placing it in your garden waste bin.

Alternatively, you can take it to your local Household Recycling Centre and putting it in the garden waste container for composting, free of charge. 

When do you put up your Christmas tree? Let us know in the comments.