For the first twenty something years of my life, real Christmas trees were the only option I ever knew. And frankly, artificial trees were so depressingly plastic-looking back then, I’m glad it was never an issue in my house. I continued with real trees for the next 10 years of my adult life. Then something happened. We bought a house that had a very tall ceiling and screamed for a tree that was nearly as tall. But after one year of spending nearly $200 on a 12-foot real tree, I knew something had to change.
It didn’t take a math wizard to understand how quickly one can go broke paying for $200 trees each year when today’s fake trees look so realistic. Besides, now they come pre-lit, assemble in three easy pieces and store in a sturdy cardboard box. Within two years, they pay for themselves and on top of that, just think of all the trees I’d save over the years. We did our shopping, found an artificial tree we liked and made the investment. I felt pretty good about knowing I’d never have to buy another ‘throw-away’ tree again and I’d be doing something good for the environment too.
Then came the move to North Carolina and with it, a house with no ceiling taller than nine feet. That first December, we’re back to square one. Now living near the land of Christmas tree farms galore, what do we do this time? Actually the decision was easy. Over the previous year, I had researched a lot about various aspects of living a more eco-friendly life as I collected research for my upcoming book. Everything I thought I was doing right for the environment in defense of buying an artificial tree went out the window. Here are a few of the reasons why as noted in a recent conversation I had with Rick Dungey, Public Relations Manager for the National Christmas Tree Association.
Artificial trees never biodegrade
One of the most common reasons for buying an artificial tree is their longevity. Although artificial trees can last for years, eventually they are discarded where they remain in a landfill forever more. Fake trees are non-biodegradable so they never break down.
Real trees are good for the garden
After the season, real trees can be hauled to the back yard as a mini-habitat or it can be ground and used as valuable mulch to retain moisture and improve soil conditions. But in all cases, it is 100% biodegradable.
Artificial trees include potentially harmful material
Part of what makes artificial trees so sturdy are the components used in their construction. PVC plastics are made from petroleum by products, heavy metals are used to stabilize the plastics and the metal branches are mined from the earth. In California, warning labels are even required on artificial trees to alert users of the potential risk of hazardous materials…including lead.
Real trees are good for the environment
In 2008, 45 million new Christmas trees were planted in tree farms across America. At any moment, there are approximately half a billion trees growing for future harvest that otherwise would not be there. While growing, they’re absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, stabilizing soil and providing habitats for wildlife. As trees are harvested, new trees are planted to take their place. And unlike artificial trees, real trees can often be purchased from local farms.
Artificial trees are imported thousands of miles
Buying local and supporting area businesses doesn’t apply to artificial trees. Most are made in China, shipped across the Pacific and then travel many more miles to reach their final destination.
Now, having pretty much bashed the argument in favor of artificial trees as better for the environment, I certainly recognize there are circumstances where they are more appropriate for certain users. Sometimes an artificial tree is the only chance at having any representation of the real thing and I appreciate and respect that. However, when the opportunity presents itself for those that do have an option, think twice before opting for artificial Christmas trees as the greener option, because they’re not.
In buying a cut tree for Christmas I know it will be used at least four different ways. It will be
decorated for the Christmas holiday, it will be a meditative exercise while hand-clipping and lopping the branches off the trunk, the clippings will be used for mulch and the trunk will
support the pea and bean vines in the coming spring/summer. The scent of the tree while
it is still fresh and the scent of the mulch laid between my raised beds is an added bonus.
We always use to get a real tree until the year the local fireman came to our elementary school and pleaded with use to get an artificial tree. The fireman was literally in tears discussing how dangerous a fire hazard a real Christmas trees is. So I guess if you are going with a real Christmas tree it should be a live one that can be replanted once the season is over.
Well that is a valid point. I guess we don’t think how really dry those cut trees can get until it’s time to take it down and all the needles (what’s left of them) carpet the floor as we drag the tree outside. Honestly, it’s a scary thought and one I’m sure is a real and more frequent risk than we realize. Obviously that fireman has witnessed this firsthand.
You’re also right in that a live, potted tree is by far the better choice for fire resistance, plus the added benefit of placing that tree into your landscape after the season. That’s a win-win. Of course the downside is, those potted trees are never quite like the traditional big tree look we’re after. But as with everything in life, there are tradeoffs.
Ah, it must be a real tree live or cut tree! You know in Southern California it’s the scent of the Season that makes our Christmas.
I know what you mean Annie. Having grown up in Miami, the scent of that Christmas pine in the house made it seem like we were miles away.
I really like a real tree. But I am allergic and have been forced to use an artificial tree from when I was in middle school. A very long time ago. 🙂 I cannot even go to public places that have real trees in closed spaces. I really do miss my real Christmas trees. 🙁
That’s a real bummer Jay. Sorry to hear that!
I like a real tree that I can replant. But the best tree my family ever had was a tree branch mom found and dressed it up with some old junk jewelry. It was quite unique.
Well said Michelle. Sometimes the simplest things are the most memorable. Thanks for sharing.
I like the real tree. I enjoy the fragrance, then I mulch it and it’s gone. Nothing to store.