Rougham Estate is known for its Christmas trees. We grow five varieties of Christmas trees at Rougham Estate, with Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce making up 98% of sales.
Our freshly-cut trees, sold at Blackthorpe Barn from late November, are harvested just a matter of a day or two before sale. This ensures freshness and minimal environmental impact compared to other sales outlets, where the trees may have been cut weeks earlier and/or travelled long distances.
Growing Christmas trees is a year-round effort. They are cultivated here on the Estate as a sustainable horticultural crop, with thousands of new trees planted each year on about 20 hectares of land. Starting as bare-root sprigs imported from Scandinavian nurseries, the trees are protected from wildlife and regularly weeded to ensure optimal growth.
Shaping begins once trees are 2-3 feet tall, involving pruning, leader control, and bud rubbing to achieve the perfect conical shape. A 6-foot tree typically takes 7-10 years to grow. To maintain sustainability, we cycle through planting, thinning, and replanting, ensuring space for future trees.
Rougham Estate is a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association and buying directly from local growers ensures freshness and quality, with firs like Nordmann Fir ideal for early decorating due to needle retention and Norway Spruce prized for its scent closer to Christmas.
For smaller needs, we also sell potted trees, like the ornamental Albertina Conica.
Find out more about buying Rougham Estate Christmas trees here and perhaps come to one of the plantations in early November to select your tree right where it’s been growing (booking essential).
