This Saturday is the most popular day of the year for buying real Christmas trees - but where can you find them in the Swindon area?

There are a few places where you can fetch home a fir without travelling far.

DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE

The Hyde Road retailer offers the Nordman Fir - which is the best-selling Christmas tree in the UK because it is less likely to shed needles everywhere.

There are a variety of freshly cut and pot-grown trees available from £19.99.

All Dobbies’ trees are sustainably grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings. Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features.

Open 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm Sunday.

SOUTHLEAZE XMAS TREES

Common Farm in Wroughton is home to a range of Nordmann (from £22) and Spruce (from £15) trees along with stands (£20-£25) and wreaths (£7-£15).

If you really want to plan ahead, some of the Spruce trees on sale are planted in pots ready to use this Christmas and grow for next year.

Open 10am to 6pm Sunday to Friday and from 9am on Saturdays.

LOTMEAD FARM

The familiar favourite near Wanborough has just reopened for Christmas tree season.

Normann Firs start at £27 while Spruce trees are on sale from £20 and Fraser Firs are stocked at a minimum price of £45.

Tree stands (from £12) and wreaths (£9) are also available.

Visit www.lotmead.co.uk

JOHN TOOMER AND SONS

This family business on Stone Lane in Lydiard Millicent has four different types of Christmas tree available.

The traditional Norway spruce is on sale from £23.99, the Nordmann Fir can be bought for £32.99 or more, the slender Fraser fir starts at £44.99, and blue-hued Noble Firs can be purchased for around £54.

Pot-grown versions of the Nordmann and Norway Spruce can be ordered as well, along with Blue Spruce Table Tress.

Open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm Sunday.

GENERAL ADVICE

Dobbies horticultural director Marcus Eyles gave advice for people preparing to purchase in the Stratton store or other local suppliers around the borough.

He said: “To ensure your Christmas tree is the right size, come equipped with the height, depth and width measurements of the area where you picture your tree at home. Make sure the area has a plug nearby, for your Christmas lights - corners are ideal - as it will keep your tree safe from knocks and bumps.

“Bringing a tape measure to the store and double checking the dimensions is a good idea to avoid any disappointment and save you a return trip to the store if you find that your tree is too big or small once you get it home. 

"Fear not, if your tree is a little too big, you can always trim it to fit the space.

 “For most cars, the tree will be too long to fit in the boot. I’d recommend attaching it to your roof rack if you have one and, if not, recline the front passenger seat. Insert the tip of the tree into the car first and rest the stump in the footwell. Use the safety belt to secure it in position so you can drive home safely.

 “Once you have your cut tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1” off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors, this will help reduce needle drop.

“Place your tree in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is replenished on a regular basis. Your potted tree will be ready to slot straight away into your designated spot!”