It’s almost time to start putting up the Christmas decorations and filling the house with festive spirit - but when is the right time to buy your tree?

If you’re in the market for a real Christmas tree this year, there are lots of places in Kent to pick one up.

We spoke to Finn Dunlop, Senior Purchasing Manager at Macknade in Faversham, for some advice on the perfect time to purchase a tree.

“We all want a tree that looks great and lasts the season,” says Finn. “We anticipate the first two weekends in December to be our busiest. Many families now put their tree up on the first day of Advent and take them down on the twelfth night so, when choosing a tree, the variety, condition and quality are key considerations.”

Macknade’s trees are all grown at Hole Park Estate in Rolvenden, near Cranbrook, and Finn explains how buying locally can make a difference when deciding how far in advance you’ll need to buy.

“Buying a locally grown tree makes a massive difference as they are cut to order, spending minimum time out of the soil,” he explains. “This means they will be fresher in your home and last longer. Other trees travel enormous distances by lorry and are frequently imported, spending days in transport.”

Once you have picked your purchase date and found your local supplier, there are still a number of things to consider. For example, how do you know which tree is right for you and your home?

“We offer three varieties of tree,” says Finn, who is in charge of the relationship between Macknade and Hole Park. “The Nordman and Blue Spruce are both elegant trees with strong bushy branches that retain their needles if well treated, and are best if decorating early.

“The Blue Spruce has a distinctive blue appearance, as you would expect, and its sharp needles are a good deterrent for inquisitive fingers. The Nordman has become increasingly popular in recent years, given their glossy, open foliage in natural layers.

“The Norway Spruce, however, remains the traditional tree. We choose to sell this as potted only, given that it can struggle and drop needles if kept indoors for extended periods, relying on plenty of water.”

It’s one thing choosing your tree, but it’s another thing keeping it looking healthy and fresh throughout the whole of the festive season.

Thankfully, Finn has some top tips on how to look after your tree once you’ve brought it home.

“Make sure your tree is in plenty of space and not next to a heat source,” says Finn. “If pruning, cut the branches back to the trunk. Make sure that the base of the trunk is sitting in water and top it up daily. Finally, when decorating, less is more - avoid weighing down branches with too many decorations!

“Other considerations important in looking after your tree are the netting and its disposal after Christmas. Most trees are wrapped in plastic netting, but our Hole Park trees are wrapped in VacuBioNet, a naturally compostable net made from vegetable starch.”

This year, Macknade are teaming up with Pilgrims Hospice to host a Christmas tree recycling station in January so you can dispose of your tree responsibly. You can also choose to have your tree turned into wood chippings for your garden.

You can find out more about the Christmas tree recycling station here.

The farm shop is also supporting the charity in the lead-up to Christmas, donating 5% of the proceeds from every tree to Pilgrims Hospice - but how much can you expect to pay for your tree?

“You can expect to pay from £35 for a Blue Spruce, £40 for a Nordman or £39.50 for a pot-grown Norway Spruce. If well looked after, the potted tree can last for several years.”

“Personally, I will be going for a 6ft Nordman on Friday, December 2 for £50.”

Christmas trees are on sale now from Macknade Farm Shop on Selling Road, Faversham ME13 8XF.