By ANNA USHER

Nothing marks the start of the festive season quite like the tradition of picking out your own fresh Christmas tree.

If you’ve made the decision between plastic or pine and settled to opt for a real tree, the best advice from local suppliers is to get in early as we shift into holiday season.

Here’s Mosman Collective’s essential lower north shore list of where – and when – you can purchase your 2025 Christmas tree.

FOURTH VILLAGE PROVIDORE

The Quottroville family have again sourced the highest quality trees you’ll find in the neighbourhood, grown in Victoria with a guarantee of fragrance.

On Sale: From Saturday 29 November.
Price: From $185

SPOFFORTH ST SERVICE STATION

One of Mosman’s most popular Christmas tree sellers is David Pailkin, who has provided fresh trees at the Spofforth St servo for decades.

On Sale: From Saturday 1 December
Price: From $140

HARRIS FARM

The team at Harris Farm will have live trees lined up outside Bridgepoint this year, with a new premium service available that can deliver your tree straight to the front door – for an extra charge.

On Sale: From Saturday 1 December
Price: $220 or $270 delivery (comes with stand)

1ST CLIFTON GARDENS SCOUTS

Choosing a freshly cut premium quality tree from the 1st Clifton Gardens Scouts is a tradition for many local families. Cubs and scouts will be on hand over two separate weekends, with all funds going back to the club.

Mosman High School: Saturday 6 + 13 December
Middle Harbour Public School: Saturday 6 December
Price: TBA

1ST NORTH SYDNEY SCOUTS

Help the kids from 1st North Sydney Scouts raise funds to help them learn new skills through the popular program. Volunteers will be at two locations from 8am.

North Sydney Demonstration School: Saturday 6 + 13 December
North Sydney Produce Market: Saturday 6 + 13 December
Price: $98

1ST SAILORS BAY SEA SCOUTS

1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts will be selling large trees (freshly delivered from the Southern Highlands) from three locations. You can also order online HERE for delivery.

1st Sailors Bay Scout Hall: Friday 5 December and Saturday 6 December
Artarmon Station: Saturday 6 December
Bunnings Chatswood: Saturday 6 December
Price: From $95-$140 and you can pre-order HERE

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

1. Using protective gloves and a tool designed for wood trimming like garden secateurs, trim the base of the tree, taking 2xcm off the stump before you place it on the stand to allow it to access the water.
2. Your stand should fit comfortably around the stump, a tree can take up almost four litres of water in its first few hours in the stand.
3. Check the water level daily, if water drops below the stump, it may seal itself and not be able to absorb the water and the stump may need to be cut again.
4. Place the tree away from sunlit windows and television sets, keep the temperature in the room as low as is practical. But also, be careful if you’re cranking the air con – this can dry out your tree.
5. Think of your tree like a big, green pet: just as a dog or cat needs fresh water every day, so does a fresh Christmas tree.
6. Don’t forget to dispose of your tree responsibly – check with your local council for pickup and composting guides.
7. Keep your tree 3 feet away from any heat source and always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Source: Harris Farm Markets.