Garden Centre encourages local schools and nurseries in Edinburgh to apply for a free fresh Christmas tree
Dobbies Garden Centres is helping bring festive cheer to communities across the UK this Christmas, through its annual Community Christmas Tree campaign. In partnership with Needlefresh, Dobbies Edinburgh store will donate five trees to schools and nurseries, helping create magical seasonal displays for the local community.
The campaign launches from 1 October as the garden centre officially celebrates the launch of its Christmas 2026 collection landing in the Edinburgh store and Dobbies is encouraging local schools and nurseries to apply now for the chance to receive one Nordmann Fir cut Christmas tree.
Local schools and nurseries within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store can apply for a free Christmas tree and entries close at 5pm on Thursday 5 November 2026.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer Nigel Lawton said: “We’re proud to continue our Community Christmas Tree campaign and support schools and nurseries across the country as they prepare for the festive season.
“A real Christmas tree can become a focal point for celebrations, encouraging children to come together and take part in festive activities. We look forward to seeing how this year’s recipients make the most of their trees and the positive impact they have on their communities.
“Our Nordmann Fir trees are a fantastic choice for schools and nurseries. Their soft, dark green needles make them easy to decorate, while their excellent needle retention means they can continue to look fresh and vibrant throughout the festive season when cared for properly.”
Dobbies Christmas trees from Needlefresh are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland, where a small growing team plant, prune, and harvest each tree by hand. This method helps protect the surrounding environment, wildlife and plants.
Kenneth Mitchell from Needlefresh said: “We are delighted to continue our support for Dobbies Community Christmas Trees for 2026. It’s a great initiative that gives schools and nurseries the opportunity to bring a real Christmas tree into their festive celebrations.
“We’re proud to work alongside Dobbies to help make the festive season feel extra special for local communities throughout the UK, while also showcasing the quality and care that goes into growing every tree.”
As part of the festive celebrations, successful applicants will be invited to collect their tree at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store Charity Christmas Shopping Night on Thursday 26 November.
The event gives customers the opportunity to enjoy an evening of Christmas inspiration, seasonal entertainment and shopping, while raising funds for Dobbies National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Dobbies Community Christmas Tree successful applicants will be informed by mid-November and can collect their Christmas tree from their local store at Charity Christmas Shopping Night on 26 November.
For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit: www.dobbies.com/community-christmas-trees
To mark the arrival of Christmas at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, the store will stay open until 7pm for Christmas Preview Evening on Thursday 15 October, giving customers extra time to explore the new collections, take advantage of special in-store offers and kick-start their Christmas shopping.
These include discounts on selected Christmas trees, string lights and baubles, as well as deals across the pet department.