To cut down trees yourself from forests, parks or streets is an expensive venture, as the fines are high. Much better to get the trees from one of the many sale points in Bonn and the region. These trees are cut down from the surrounding forests in a way that ensures the birch’s survival is not threatened. In fact cutting them protects other trees such as oaks and beech.

The tree should be decorated with colourful crepe paper (the more the better) and placed in front of your sweetheart’s house. Care should also be taken when placing May trees not to use electricity masts or lampposts. Such trees can be taken down by electricity companies and costs charged for their removal or any damage caused. The same applies to damage to houses.

Now all that remains is to be sure no-one steals the tree so that true love can run its course. And in an ideal case, the tree giver will get a beer from the father, a cake from the mother and a kiss from his girl when he goes to collect his tree at the end of the month.

Instead of a May tree, those who prefer can put a May heart on their sweetheart’s house made from red and white crepe paper hearts with the name or initials of the recipient. And in a leap year, it is the girls who get the chance to give their partners a May tree.

The following sales points are in Bonn, Rheinbach, Meckenheim, Sankt Augustin, Siegburg, Königswinter and in the Siebengebirge:

Trees will be sold on 29 April at the end of Lohheckeweg. The trees will be four to six metres tall and cost around Euro 15.

Bonn-Röttgen: on 30 April between 11am and 4pm trees will be sold for Euro 15 each in the Rulandsweg car park (on the L261).

Bonn-Niederholtorf: trees will be sold for Euro 20 on 30 April from 3-6pm at the barbecue area “Am Hardtweiher” (forest entry Pützchens Chaussee opposite the turn into Oberkasseler Straße).

Bonn-Beuel: from 10.30pm on 30 April at the car park next to the town hall. Trees will cost Euro 35. The tree and any decoration, hearts and any cable ties must be ordered in advance on 02244/871092 or 0152/28687183.

Trees will be sold in the Rösberger Forest for Euro 10 on 28 April between 12 noon and 6pm and on 29 and 30 April between 10am and 6pm. There are directions marked from the Rosberg water tower and the Theisen crossroads. It is recommended to order in advance at gf@fbg-bornheim.de

Styrofoam hearts will also be available for Euro 12.50.

Trees will be sold on 29 and 30 April at the Rheinbach-Kurtenberg sales point at the “Vier Winde” crossorads. Directions will be marked. You have to cut these trees yourself (bring your own axe and saw!) and they will cost Euro 10-15 depending on size.For further information call 02226/4765.

Trees will be sold on 30 April from 2-8pm at the Kottenforst station and will cost Euro 15.

Trees will be sold on 29 April between 11am and 8pm and on 30 April between 10am and 8pm at Oelgartenstraße 27. Trees will also be sold at Burg Niederpleis (Langstr.1) on 29 April between 9am and 8pm. Prices will be Euro 10-25. On 29 April between noon and 6pm and on 30 April between 10am and 6pm, trees and crepe paper will be sold at Geislarer Str. in Meindorf. Prices will depend on size.

On 30 April trees will be sold between 10am and 8pm at Forsthaus Aulgasse, Steinbahn 24 for Euro 10 each.

In Königswinter-Ittenbach trees will be sold on 30 April from 2-7pm at the Acherhof car park on the L83. Prices start at Euro 20.

In Königswinter-Bennerscheid, trees can be self-cut for Euro 10 on 30 April from 2-7pm at Neuglückstraße.

(Original text: Nadine Vogelsberg. Translated by Kate Carey.)