Holly tree gift - tree of protection

Gift a symbol of hope, protection and enduring life.
Availability: In stock
SKU: GFILAQ
  • *
£14.99

About holly
(Ilex aquifolium)

A much-loved evergreen with glossy, spiny leaves. In winter, female trees produce bright-red berries.

Known as the tree of protection, the holly tree is a treasured symbol of hope and resilience, with its evergreen leaves a powerful reminder of strength, endurance and the promise of new beginnings. Traditionally believed to protect the home and those who live there, native holly also has an association with safe journeys, making it a meaningful gift for fresh starts and new challenges.

Beautifully presented

Each sapling can be delivered with a natural cotton bag wrapped around the root ball – a sustainable, reusable alternative to traditional gift wrap. To have your tree delivered in a bag, simply select from the drop-down menu. 

Gift a holly tree

As well as being a lovely winter gift, a holly tree gift is perfect for celebrations including:

  • Christmas – a timeless symbol of the season
  • Winter birthdays – a unique gift that grows each year
  • Housewarmings – for protection, prosperity and happiness.

No matter where it's planted, a holly tree is a living reminder of the moments that matter most.

Perfect timing

When gifting, order at a time that works well for both your gifting occassion and planting. For the best start, we recommend ordering close to when your sapling can be planted, rather than storing.  

If you choose to deliver directly to your recipient, please note that it will arrive without a gift note, so ensure to let them know it's from you. Alternatively, you may prefer to get it delivered to your home first, giving you the chance to present it for a personal touch. 

Your gift will need to be planted as soon as possible after delivery. Please keep the tree well hydrated and follow the planting guidance provided to give it the best possible chance to establish and thrive. 

Good to know

Growth and size

Mature height: up to 15m.
Growth rate: 10-15cm per year.
Supplied as 15-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Foliage provides year-round shelter for birds and insects.
Winter berries are an important food source for birds including thrushes.
Food plant for holly blue butterfly caterpillars.

Soil and conditions

Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils.
Tolerates sun and partial shade.
Can be grown as a tree, hedging or topiary.

Grown responsibly

UK sourced and grown (UKISG certified).
Reduces risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Delivered in 100% recyclable LDPE wrap.

Did you know?

Holly is one of Britain’s few native evergreens and has deep links with traditional folklore.

About holly
(Ilex aquifolium)

A much-loved evergreen with glossy, spiny leaves. In winter, female trees produce bright-red berries.

Known as the tree of protection, the holly tree is a treasured symbol of hope and resilience, with its evergreen leaves a powerful reminder of strength, endurance and the promise of new beginnings. Traditionally believed to protect the home and those who live there, native holly also has an association with safe journeys, making it a meaningful gift for fresh starts and new challenges.

Beautifully presented

Each sapling can be delivered with a natural cotton bag wrapped around the root ball – a sustainable, reusable alternative to traditional gift wrap. To have your tree delivered in a bag, simply select from the drop-down menu. 

Gift a holly tree

As well as being a lovely winter gift, a holly tree gift is perfect for celebrations including:

  • Christmas – a timeless symbol of the season
  • Winter birthdays – a unique gift that grows each year
  • Housewarmings – for protection, prosperity and happiness.

No matter where it's planted, a holly tree is a living reminder of the moments that matter most.

Perfect timing

When gifting, order at a time that works well for both your gifting occassion and planting. For the best start, we recommend ordering close to when your sapling can be planted, rather than storing.  

If you choose to deliver directly to your recipient, please note that it will arrive without a gift note, so ensure to let them know it's from you. Alternatively, you may prefer to get it delivered to your home first, giving you the chance to present it for a personal touch. 

Your gift will need to be planted as soon as possible after delivery. Please keep the tree well hydrated and follow the planting guidance provided to give it the best possible chance to establish and thrive. 

Good to know

Growth and size

Mature height: up to 15m.
Growth rate: 10-15cm per year.
Supplied as 15-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Foliage provides year-round shelter for birds and insects.
Winter berries are an important food source for birds including thrushes.
Food plant for holly blue butterfly caterpillars.

Soil and conditions

Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils.
Tolerates sun and partial shade.
Can be grown as a tree, hedging or topiary.

Grown responsibly

UK sourced and grown (UKISG certified).
Reduces risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Delivered in 100% recyclable LDPE wrap.

Did you know?

Holly is one of Britain’s few native evergreens and has deep links with traditional folklore.

Planting information

Spacing
Trees: plant trees roughly 2m apart. Consider the final size of the tree, nearby buildings, services and other plants to avoid future damage to the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Hedgerow: to produce a single row, plant trees around 30cm apart. For a thick hedge, plant in two rows with equal staggering of 50cm between saplings and 40cm between rows.

Tree protection
If your sapling could be at risk from animals like rabbits or deer, consider protecting them. Take a look at our tree protection options.

Best time to plant
October–March (dormant season): ideal planting time.

April–September: saplings are growing fast and should be planted as soon as possible. Take a little extra care over the warmer months.
If you need to delay planting for a few weeks, keep saplings moist, in light conditions and free from frost and wind.

Ongoing care
Weed around the base to reduce competition for nutrients.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
For detailed guidance, take a look at our tree care instructions.

Important note: Tree planting season is over for this year, so our subsidised packs are no longer available. Don’t worry though, they’ll be on sale again in October when the season starts. 

Free delivery 

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer. 

Order information 

We are unable to hold or delay orders.

To reduce packaging waste and minimise environmental impact, multiple items ordered together may be packed in a single box. All trees will remain fully protected during delivery. If you would prefer your trees to be packaged separately, please contact our support services team via email at shop@woodlandtrust.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Please note: If your order contains a mix of product types (e.g. trees, tree gifts, tree protection items, merchandise or subsidised packs), items may be delivered separately. This means your order may arrive in more than one delivery.

Sapling appearance 

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15–60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don’t worry – once planted, it should recover quickly. 

Shipping restrictions 

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 

Further information 

You can find more information about delivery and packaging in our frequently asked questions.

Our cotton bags are a stylish, sustainable way to gift your tree saplings. Made from cotton with a protective liner and a drawstring top, they're practical and perfect for turning any tree into a stunning present for any occasion. Plus, the bag can be reused for everything from storing seeds to keeping gardening gear tidy.

  • Perfect for gifting
  • Durable and reusable
  • 80% cotton
  • Plastic liner
  • 70-80% biodegradable

How to use:

Simply order a gift bag with your sapling through the drop down list above. Your sapling with come ready in the gift bag. 

Please note: this bag contains a removable plastic liner to protect the cotton during storage and transport. Remove the liner where possible and reuse the cotton bag.