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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think they should replace the Christmas tree?

185 replies

BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:29

Hi all,

Apologies for any mistakes - English is my second language.

I bought a real Christmas tree at our local farmer’s shop few days ago, kids got all exited about decorating it this evening - only for us to find out that every single tip of every branch is chopped off (I’m assuming to make Christmas wreaths)

AIBU to contact the shop and ask to replace it?

DH says to leave it but it annoys me - I don't want a butchered Christmas tree.
It is quite visible (at least to me) and can’t really be covered with baubles etc

AIBU to think they should replace the Christmas tree?
OP posts:
whogivesacarrot · 09/12/2023 20:31

Every single tip?

The photo doesn’t represent that?

Scarletttulips · 09/12/2023 20:31

LOL - some people are starving and cold this Christmas.

user628468523532453 · 09/12/2023 20:31

Seriously?

Billybagpuss · 09/12/2023 20:32

Did you not pick out your own tree? Whenever I’ve bought a real tree I’ve walked around lots of options and chosen the one I thought was the freshest with the best shape. I’d certainly have noticed excessive pruning.

Original poster
BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:32

Yep, every single tip

OP posts:
user628468523532453 · 09/12/2023 20:33

So what?

You chose it and didn't notice for days so you were obviously happy with its shape and appearance.

MissPettigrewIsWFH · 09/12/2023 20:33

Probably snipped off to make the tree a viable shape. They will be knee deep in twigs and branches if they wanted to sell them to make wreaths.

ghostyslovesheets · 09/12/2023 20:33

That picture shows a normal tree - one without 'every single' branch trimmed - it's normal for trees to have some trimming because people like a regular shape - but there is nothing wrong with it

Original poster
BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:33

Scarletttulips · 09/12/2023 20:31

LOL - some people are starving and cold this Christmas.

I know, first world problem but still.

OP posts:
user628468523532453 · 09/12/2023 20:33

MissPettigrewIsWFH · 09/12/2023 20:33

Probably snipped off to make the tree a viable shape. They will be knee deep in twigs and branches if they wanted to sell them to make wreaths.

Agreed.

EvilElsa · 09/12/2023 20:33

Can we see the tree as a whole?

CaroleSinger · 09/12/2023 20:34

Often they do this because the shape of the natural growth is uneven and by snipping off any longer bits you can create a more Christmas tree 'shaped' tree. It doesn't necessarily mean they have been cut off to use as wreaths.

user628468523532453 · 09/12/2023 20:34

BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:33

I know, first world problem but still.

Show quote history

I don't think it even meets the threshold to be considered a "problem".

DuesToTheDirt · 09/12/2023 20:34

Could it have been done to make the tree a better shape?

Always look at your tree when you buy it. Don't buy pre-wrapped ones, look at them open to see if the shape and proportions suit you.

Christmasisonitsway · 09/12/2023 20:34

Surely it's cut to make a nice shape? What does it look like as a whole?

Perhapsanorhertimewouldbebetter · 09/12/2023 20:34

TBH any real tree I've ever bought has been thoroughly examined by me prior to purchase - did you get a chance to do this?
You might have to write this off as your error/make the best of it, and choose more carefully next time.

SutWytTi · 09/12/2023 20:35

Need to see the overall shape

cbbo · 09/12/2023 20:36

This is quite normal. My tree has had a good snip to make it into a good shape

Almondmum · 09/12/2023 20:37

I've never ever bought a real Christmas tree with bits snipped off it to 'shape' it. I buy one every year. That's not a thing surely?

I'm assuming it was in a net when you bought it so you didn't see?

Do you have a picture of the whole tree? There's no harm asking for your money back I suppose. I don't know what your actual consumer rights would be.

Original poster
BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:37

MissPettigrewIsWFH · 09/12/2023 20:33

Probably snipped off to make the tree a viable shape. They will be knee deep in twigs and branches if they wanted to sell them to make wreaths.

I think it’s for the wreaths, rather than to shape the tree. The tree itself is quite lovely and nice regular shape.

They sell wreaths too.

OP posts:
MarjorieTheManager · 09/12/2023 20:39

Why did you choose it if you’re not happy with it?!

user628468523532453 · 09/12/2023 20:40

BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:37

I think it’s for the wreaths, rather than to shape the tree. The tree itself is quite lovely and nice regular shape.

They sell wreaths too.

Show quote history

So why do you want a replacement if it's lovely and a nice shape as it is?

Original poster
BloodOrangeCheesecake · 09/12/2023 20:40

Christmasisonitsway · 09/12/2023 20:34

Surely it's cut to make a nice shape? What does it look like as a whole?

But surely not every single branch? And only tips?

Chopping the tips off wouldn’t have changed the shape anyway - I’m not sure how to explain, the tree looks like a nice healthy tree.

OP posts:
PostmansKnock · 09/12/2023 20:41

But why would they cut some branches off a Christmas tree and not others and then sell the tree? How can it be quite lovely?

salamirose · 09/12/2023 20:41

I'd need to see the whole tree as that looks fine to me. Don't waste the tree and send it back. Adopt it as your not so perfect tree and nurture it to it's eventual demise in a compost chipper. Grateful for it's sacrifice and absorbion of co2