‘Half-dead’ Christmas tree is mocked as city council vows to replace it

A community’s Christmas tree was compared to a branch by disappointed residents and branded a “disgrace.”

The 'living tree' in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, was heavily criticised by local residents who said it looked 'half dead'.

Tameside Council planted the festive fir outside a community centre on Stockport Road several years ago, hoping it would grow and bring joy to local residents for many years to come.

However, things didn't quite go according to plan and the facility is still in a shabby state, with locals constantly mocking it.

Residents of Hattersley, south of Manchester, say it looks more like a “Christmas bough” than a proud, festive pine tree.

Lawrence McDermott, 60, from Tameside, added that he had walked past the tree for years and it was a “joke”.

Responding to criticism of its 2021 appearance, the council tweeted: “Event organizers opted to use a live tree rather than a larger felled tree.”

“Live trees start small but grow larger each year, symbolising the growth of the community spirit in Hattersley. I hope you have a lovely Christmas.”

But the authority has now given in and announced that it will replace the tree just days before the Christmas lights are switched on this Friday.

In the long term, a new living tree will be planted at this location, the council announced.

The Christmas trees are planted in the ground and can be reused in subsequent years, unlike conventional trees that are thrown away.

This makes them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option during the holidays.

But this also means that they require special care and attention to survive, including regular watering, suitable soil and sunlight conditions, and protection from extreme temperatures and weather.

“Embarrassment and shame”

Local woman Emma, ​​a team leader at the nearby Mottram Wood pub, said there was “nothing” Christmassy about the supposedly festive tree.

“It’s an embarrassment, a disgrace,” she said.

“I drive past it every day. It's right next to Tesco by the pub. It looks like it was only recently finished. It looks half dead.”

“It’s not very Christmassy – there’s nothing Christmassy about it at all.

“I have a fake one at home. It would have cost them £50 in the local shop instead of the mess they've made. It's ridiculous.”

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One person said on social media that the tree looked like it had been “attacked by a cat,” adding: “My five-year-old can't stop laughing, he thinks it's a joke.”

“He asks if they made the tree.”

Another said: “Did you happen to lose your Christmas branch? Then maybe I've found it.”

A third joked: “Looks like they're paying in installments… So by this time next year it could be a full tree again.”

Another mocked: “The things you get when you order from Wish.”

A Tameside Council spokesman said: “It is a living tree that has been in this location for a number of years.

“A felled tree will be provided for the Christmas lights switching on in Hattersley on Friday.

“We are seeking sponsorship to replace the living tree and will look for another species to thrive in this location.”

What is the traditional British Christmas tree?

The Norway spruce is one of the most popular Christmas trees in the UK and has been used there for more than 100 years.

It is an evergreen conifer native to Northern and Eastern Europe and is characterized by its pointed, dark green needles that can grow up to 2.5 cm long.

One of the main advantages of the Norway spruce is that it has a classic Christmas tree shape, with a conical shape that tapers towards the top.

It also has a strong pine scent that many people associate with the festive holidays.

However, a major disadvantage of the Norway spruce is that it tends to lose needles, which can be unsightly and requires more care.

Because of this trend, many people now prefer to use other tree species, such as the Nordmann fir, which has softer needles and better needle retention.

This tree species is native to the Caucasus Mountains of Russia and Georgia and is known for its symmetrical shape, its shiny, deep green needles that are soft to the touch, and its excellent needle retention.

The best-selling Christmas tree in the UK in 2022 was the Nordmann fir, according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).