How to trim the cost and still have a top-rate Christmas tree

Shop smart at supermarkets and DIY stores, keep the clippings, buy pot plants and fit the size to home and budget tp ensure your Yuletide greenery reflects seasonal spirit

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There's nothing like a real tree at Christmas but with cost uppermost in mind, there are ways to keep the tradition of trimming the tree and lowering the budget.

Cost of a tree

Based on the between eight and 10 million trees sold annually and an estimated budget of £30 to £50 for a real tree, the total spent on pines this year could be between £240m and £500m.

Prices for artificial trees range from £20 to £50 for a budget version to more than £1,500 for premium models, with mid-range trees costing between £300 and £600.

How can you make the right choice if you're on a budget?

Choose the right size

Think about how much space you have, both in ceiling height and width, measuring up accurately, because the size will designate the cost.

Look for lower-grade bargains

Stores like Aldi and Lidl often have competitive prices on real trees. They also sometimes offer vouchers with tree purchases to spend in-store.