Pick-Your-Own christmas tree farm

Local families looking for a day out, plus businesses and organisations buying trees in bulk.

Price per tree by height, plus wreaths, decorations, stands and food or drink. Most income comes in a few weeks, so the season needs good planning.

• Land and tree management
• Organising busy events and car parking
• Customer service and basic marketing

• Public liability insurance and visitor safety: uneven ground, saws and muddy paths
• If you sell food or drink, check food business registration with your local council
• Planning permission or change-of-use questions for car parks and buildings, so check early with your council
• Weather risk on busy weekends and the long wait before young trees mature
• Check any staffing needs, including employer's liability insurance if you take on seasonal helpers

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the size of your plantation and any shop, parking or refreshment facilities. There is also a long wait before young trees mature.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on visitor numbers and what you sell. Weather on busy weekends can affect takings, so treat these figures as estimates.

Things to check: public liability insurance and visitor safety, including uneven ground, saws and muddy paths. Check food business registration if you sell refreshments, planning for car parks and buildings, and employer's liability if you hire helpers.