Small christmas tree farm

Local families, plus pubs, shops, schools, garden centres and community groups buying in December.

You sell trees at a price by height and species, with extras such as netting, stands and wreaths. Income comes in one short season, and only after the trees have grown for years.

• Patience and long-term planning
• Outdoor physical work
• Basic land and weed management
• Customer service in a busy season

• Years pass before the first sales, so check you can cover rent and costs in the meantime
• Check whether the land is agricultural and what use, tenancy and planning rules apply, especially for selling direct to visitors or adding parking
• Public liability insurance if customers visit the site
• Any pesticide or herbicide use may need training or certificates, check current rules
• Weather, pests, disease and deer or rabbit damage can wipe out stock, so plan fencing and protection

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the plot, number of trees and protection such as fencing. These are estimates only. Years pass before the first sales, so check you can cover rent and costs meanwhile.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many trees you sell and how you sell them. These are estimates, not guarantees, and sales are concentrated in the run-up to Christmas rather than spread evenly.

Check whether the land is agricultural and what use, tenancy and planning rules apply, especially for selling direct to visitors or adding parking. Also check public liability insurance and whether pesticide or herbicide use needs training or certificates.