Irish holly stocks are continuing to be plundered for Christmas decorations and Crann, the voluntary organisation promoting the planting of trees, has asked the public to report any stripping of trees.
Following an appeal two years ago, when holly trees were being stolen from the countryside, stripped and exported to the Netherlands, pressure on stocks eased.
It had highlighted the problem of the theft of holly trees from roadside farms in an editorial in its magazine, which represents the views of the organisation dedicated to planting trees and protecting Irish woodlands.
A spokesman for the organisation said it was now appealing to farmers and other landowners to grow holly trees, which were becoming very scarce in the countryside.
"Growing holly for sale for Christmas can be a very good alternative enterprise for a farmer," said the Crann spokesman.
"Not only will it prevent wild trees being stripped or stolen but it will build up what is a major national asset, our native tree stock," he said.
He said many farmers were now being encouraged by the Rural Environment Protection Scheme planners to include the planting of holly trees for hedging. "Not only is it a fine native tree and good to look at, but it is also a rich source of food through the berries for our wild birds," he said.
Holly is not a protected species in Ireland, but is protected in some European countries where it did not grow as easily as here, he said.
The Celtic druids regarded it as a sacred plant. As Christianity slowly replaced the pagan religion, holly maintained its spiritual significance.
Some believe that the word is a corruption of the word "holy". In Germany, where it is called Christdorn, legend says it was woven into Christ's crown of thorns.