Christmas tree growers have stepped up security on their farms to combat the growing threat of criminal gangs attempting to hack down their festive firs.

Christmas tree growers have had to step up security on their farms to combat the rising numbers of criminal gangs trying to hack down their festive firs.

FORESTRY owners are likely to net €15m through sales of Christmas trees in what is traditionally one of their best annual periods of sale, according to an industry expert.