Where to get a real Christmas tree around the North Shore

One Christmas around the 1530s, a bunch of Germans had the bright idea to chop down a tree, drag it into their house and festoon it with candles. 

Five-hundred years later, and some 14,000 km away, many people on the North Shore hold true to that tradition each December.

Yes, you can buy a synthetic tree from Target or Kmart and cover it in baubles and other yuletide trinkets, but for purists the scent of fresh pine in the living room cannot be swapped out for plastic in a cardboard box.

Here are some local places selling the real deal.

Sydney Christmas Tree Farm

Tucked away up in Duffys Forest is Sydney Christmas Tree Farm, where Ron and Barbara Junghans planted their first pine in 1979.

Each Christmas pine types can wander their two-acre plantation and pick out their perfect Christmas tree. 

Barbara told the Lorikeet that their trees are five to 10 feet tall, with prices ranging from $130 to $300.

Bookings required. More information via the website.

Aussie Christmas Trees

Just across the Spit Bridge in Manly, Aussie Christmas Trees will run a walk-in tree shop at Manly Village School on December 6 and 13. Delivery, set up and pre-order also available via the website.

Dural Christmas Tree Farm

Dural Christmas Tree Farm has been open since 2000. The trees are five to 12 feet tall, and prices range from $125 to $500.

Your Local Scouts Group 

For somewhere nearby and reliable, no matter where you are located in the North Shore, try out your local scouting group. This map shows where trees are available. Prices vary across each group. A six-foot-tall pine from 1st Lindfield Scout Group is $85.

Thumbnail: Sydney Christmas Tree Farm, Aussie Christmas Trees