Thanks Jolan for all your help. I think you are definitely right with FIR TREE as the number of words required is not specified in this puzzle.
As for the second one I too came up with HOLIDAY(leave) MAKER but can't think why it is MAKER. Still puzzling about it.
I have another one which I am struggling with and would be pleased if you can help. It is still the seasonal one so the answer will be related to that.
What to say to French birds at this moment...
???????o? .