As Christmas Day approaches, the Irish Farmers Journal checked in with Christmas tree growers across the country to get an insight into this year's tree trade.

Nicholas Foley, Killarney Christmas Trees 

"The demand is very good this year. We're getting demand all over the country, with Christmas trees going as far as Donegal.

"There hasn't been any downsizing in trees this year. People seem to be still very eager in buying fresh Christmas trees. Next weekend and the weekend after will be our best period.

"Traditionally, people bought trees on 8 December and this time still remains the busiest period.

"Due to Brexit, it has been a little difficult to get tree netting from the UK this year for tree management purposes. Harvesting was slightly delayed since the netting for the Christmas tree was held up for three weeks."

Eamonn Mooney, Ballyhassan Christmas tree farm, Offaly

"The demand seems to be the same and even a little bit better than last year. We are selling directly from the farm and this is our fourth or fifth year in business.

"The increase in the cost of living doesn’t seem to be having an effect on the demand for Christmas trees. We held the price of our trees the same as for the last five years.

"The cost has gone up, but we have decided to shred all the debris instead of using fertiliser.

"The increase in input costs has shifted our business to go somewhat organic, which is working very well, with overall good results.

"This weekend and next weekend will be our busiest period, as we are expecting 70% of people to put their Christmas trees up. Overall, it’s been a great year for growing Christmas trees and was one of the best years growth-wise."

Jimmy Fitzachary, Cedar Christmas Trees, Dublin

"The market is very good for the last number of weeks, with approximately 200 trees selling this weekend.

"Our business in Dublin sells directly to the public and the buyers can pick a tree and we cut it on-site.

"Like other tree firms in the region, we had to slightly raise our pricing as a result of the increasing input costs.

"The Christmas tree sector is doing really well right now. People seem to prefer fresh trees to artificial ones.

"We raised our rates last year, but we didn't this year because we wanted to aid families who were struggling with this year's difficult rise in input costs."

Declan Gumley, Cavan Christmas trees

"The overall trade for Christmas trees is very good and picking up speed this weekend, with our busiest time this weekend and next weekend.

"Fortunately, the demand appears to be higher than previous years due to the increased sustainability of a real tree over a fake tree.

"There has been a sufficient increase in input costs. However, a large portion of tree growers are trying to hold their prices as they know the struggling families had this year.

"It's important customers understand that a large portion of trees are on the Irish market and are all locally grown."