The Truth About Christmas Trees and the Environment

Types of Christmas Trees

Christmas trees come in three main types:

• Artificial
• Real
• Live

Artificial Trees

Popularity: Most popular, with 77-83% of households choosing them.

Pros:

• Convenient
• Reusable
• Can save money over time

Cons:

• Not environmentally friendly
• Made in China and shipped worldwide, increasing carbon emissions
• Not recyclable, ending up in landfills

Real Trees

Source: Grown on farms and cut for the holidays.

Environmental Benefits:

• Absorb carbon dioxide
• Produce oxygen
• Support wildlife
• Conserve soil
• Can be recycled into mulch or used for conservation projects

Live Trees

Description: Evergreens still attached to their roots, can be planted after the holidays.

Challenges:

• Not always easy to keep alive due to unpredictable weather conditions

Tips for Success:

• Choose a tree that grows well in your climate and soil
• Best choices: Norway spruce and white pines
• Use a waterproof container for watering
• Dig a hole for planting before getting the tree

Choosing the Right Tree

The type of tree you use can reflect your dedication to family Christmas traditions.

• Real Trees: Traditions may go back several generations.
• Bring fragrance into the house, keeping holiday spirits alive.

• Consider the environmental impact.

• Artificial Trees: Convenient but not environmentally friendly.
• Real Trees: Require more effort but bring many environmental benefits.