West Lothian garden centre is spreading the festive cheer this Christmas season by offering free Christmas trees to local schools. Dobbies Livingston has partnered with sustainable real tree grower, Needlefresh, to supply the trees. The initiative, known as Dobbies Community Christmas Trees, aims to provide nurseries and schools with real Christmas trees that can be decorated for the holiday season.
The Christmas trees provided by Dobbies are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland. A dedicated team plants, prunes, and harvests each tree by hand to ensure the preservation of the surrounding environment and wildlife. Each tree comes with a special tag that allows tracking of its origin, providing transparency and a connection to the local community.
George Hood, Managing Director of Needlefresh, expressed his delight in collaborating with Dobbies Livingston on this generous donation. He encourages local schools and nurseries to take advantage of this opportunity to create lasting memories for pupils, teachers, and parents by decorating the trees together.
Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, shared some expert tips for selecting the perfect Christmas tree. He emphasised the importance of measuring the space where the tree will be placed to ensure it fits comfortably. Lawton recommended considering the tree’s shape based on available space, suggesting a Nordmann Fir for a classic look or a Nordman Fir ‘Slim’ for limited spaces. Proper care, including placing the tree away from heat sources and keeping it hydrated, is essential to maintain its freshness throughout the festive season.
Applications for the free Christmas trees are now open, with a deadline of 7th November for submissions. Successful applicants will be notified in mid-November and can collect their trees at Dobbies Livingston Christmas Shopping Night on 21st November, with proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. For more information about Dobbies Community Christmas Trees, visit their website.
This initiative not only brings the spirit of Christmas to local schools but also promotes sustainability and community engagement. By providing free real Christmas trees, Dobbies Livingston and Needlefresh are helping to spread joy and create cherished memories for the festive season.