WHILE plenty of people have decided to start Christmas earlier than normal this year - and who can blame them - there are many who haven't yet picked the most important item of all - the tree.

Here is a guide of some of the best places you can go and choose your very own Christmas show stopper; all within the county of Cheshire.

Knutsford Guardian:

Cheshire Christmas Trees

Based in Glazebury in Warrington, Chapel House Farm is home to one of Cheshire's premier Christmas tree wholesalers, supplying major councils and garden centres.

They offer premium quality trees to the public and a large quantity of the trees come from the company's own plantations in Caithness, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Stirlingshire.

Due to the new regulations they are asking customers to click and collect, so if you wish to purchase a tree you are advised to call or message them to book a time and date to visit.

Customers are rest-assured there are plenty of trees in stock so there will be no problem finding the perfect tree.

Opening times, 8am-5pm.

Bookings can be made by calling 01925 765900 or 07710135614

Knutsford Guardian:

TJ Christmas Tree Farm

Based in Allostock, this family-run farm is marking a significant first this year by selling living trees in a bid to help families enjoy a greener Christmas.

For the first time since it started in 2000, the farm will be selling 3,000 container-grown living Christmas trees in addition to its stock of cut trees.

The trees will be available to purchase from Saturday, November 28 and measures have been made to ensure the site is Covid-safe.

Trees on display at the farm Monday-Saturday 8am - 8pm and Sunday 9am - 4pm.

No booking required but customers are asked to wear a face covering.

Knutsford Guardian:

Grappenhall Christmas Trees

The family-run Carr House Farm in Warrington has a wide variety of locally grown trees to choose from, including - Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and Serbian Spruce.

Whilst booking isn’t required to visit the farm, they are limiting car parking spaces, so at busy times you may be asked to wait until one becomes available.

The farm will also continue to offer delivery of trees which can be ordered via its online store.

All trees are hand picked and cut to order ensuring they are fresh and the usual Grappenhall Christmas Tree standard.

Opening times - Wednesday and Thursday (10am-4pm), Friday (10am-7.30), Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm), closed Monday and Tuesday.

For further information, go online to https://www.grappenhallchristmastrees.co.uk/.

Knutsford Guardian:

Clayton Farm Christmas Tree Farm

In the very far eastern reaches of the county, this farm based in Kettleshulme in the Peak District grow and sell premium quality, Nordman Fir and Norway Spruce Christmas Trees.

The home grown trees are freshly cut, and the farm operate a choose and cut service allowing customers to choose their own growing tree.

After the government recently issued guidance to allow Christmas Tree farms to open during lockdown, the team have been working towards welcoming customers safely in the lead up to the festive period and introduced a booking system to help stagger arrival times and control the number of visitors to the farm.

Open from November 27 until Christmas Eve, everyday, 8.30-6pm.

Booking is essential for visiting here and can be made online www.clayton-fold-christmas-trees.co.uk.

Knutsford Guardian:

Lime Tree Farm Shop and Christmas Trees

Over in Little Stanney, near Ellesmere Port, there are a huge selection of Nordman Fir, non-drop Christmas Trees for sale, from between five and eight foot tall.

The added bonus of coming here to pick your own tree is the fact you can also have a browse in the gift shop and the on-site butchers, and if you're feeling peckish, there is a charcoal fire pit cooking homemade sausages and burgers.

Mulled wine and hot chocolate are also on offer to get you in the festive spirit.

Open every day.