For the first time a range of fresh Christmas trees will be on sale at the City of Edinburgh Council’s Inch Nursery from Monday 30 November 2009.

Whether you are looking for a traditional Norway Spruce, or fancy something more unusual like a Nordman Fir, the nursery will have something for everyone.

Locally sourced trees of all sizes will be available, prices vary from £16 to £54. For each tree sold, £1 will be donated to Enable Scotland, a local charity campaigning
for a better life for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Staff from the Inch Nursery - will also be on hand with advice and information on choosing and looking after your tree, to ensure it looks good throughout Christmas.

James Carlyle, Nursery Manager, said: "Traditional trees, such as the Norway Spruce, are always a favourite but some people like something a bit different. The Nordman Fir, for example, is known for not shedding its needles. We only have 500 trees available to so I would advise people to get their orders in early to avoid disappointment.”

Advice from experts at the Nursery on looking after your Christmas tree:
• Keep the tree in a cool place, preferably standing in water, until you are ready to decorate it.
• Cut an inch off the base of the stem to help the tree take up water.
• Put the tree in a bucket or a purpose-made water holding stand.
• Once wedged in place, fill the container with either pebbles or screwed up newspaper (not sand or earth) and keep topped up with water daily.
• Keep the tree away from direct heat and in a cool room if possible.

Christmas Trees and other festive plants will be available from 30 November to 22 December at Inch Park Nursery, Old Dalkeith Road, EH16 5UF. Pre orders can be arranged through James Carlyle, Nursery Manager.
e-mail james.caryle@edinburgh.gov.uk, tel no. 44 (131) 664 4135.

The Council also operates a composting service for Christmas Trees operating in January. More information can be found on the council website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk.