Artificial or Real? Christmas tree!

[Lynda]

Being an ex-tree planter I could never bring myself to buy a real tree for Christmas. I know too well the effort it takes to plant them and the number of years they take to grow. I was proud of my "plastic" imitation Scotch pine and every year as I decorated it, my heart swelled knowing that I had spared yet another tree. Since then - my fake tree has outlived its usefulness -- branches falling off, lights burned out and it doesn't stand tall. Now I am faced with a conundrum -- as someone who is trying to live "green" I am faced with the fact that my tree is headed for a landfill. I didn't think this far ahead when I bought it. So now what?? The real thing ?? I am conflicted!

[Susana]

But if you lived in a rural area and wanted to safely dispose of your xmas confection of a tree, just find a safe burn pit and spark up the festivities (the fire pit I mean). Do so with kiddies standing way safely back but close enough to roast those seasonal new-year marshmallows. all in good fun ;-):alien:

[mberube]

I have been in the forest industry since 1995 and always support the industry when I can. Besides it is exciting to see if I can find a tree that is better than the previous year. The last 3 years have been very good for shape and the trees were really fresh.

[DRodrigues]

Hi Lynda,

While I love the idea of a christmas bonfire, if you do not live in a rural area your city may have a christmas tree recycling program. In Winnipeg there is a program called "Let's Chip In", you drop off your tree and they mulch them, then you can pick up the wood chip mulch free of charge. While this does not solve all your qualms with using a real tree, it will at least not end up at the landfill!

[admin]

We bought a real Christmas tree a few days ago. Hamilton operates a tree recycling program so it's good to know that it will be composted. And so far, the dogs haven't mistaken it for an indoor plumbing unit!

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[Laurie]

We too have a real tree - and have been cutting our own down at a tree farm for many years. We have often taken in the whole experience of freezing to death when it's really cold and riding out to the middle of the 'forest' to choose and cut down our own tree -- drinking hot cider and then going for breakfast. A real tradition. The last few years, we have been buying a pre-cut Fraser fir - still drive all the way out to the tree farm and wander around choosing it from the wonderful display. It's a better fit for our house and the needles last longer!

[Jen Silverthorn]

While the tree is growing, it is contributing to air quality and sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. I'm told these trees are planted for the intended purpose of being Christmas trees. It is wise to look for options besides landfilling as decomposition of organic matter in landfills contributes to methane gas production. Our city has a curbside pick up program (Calgary) for trees and creates mulch for their public gardens.

Of course, no tree would be the best option and leads to a reduction in consumption. I seen a real tree used on a home renovation show that was designed to be planted outdoors in the spring. If you need some more trees on your property and the species works then that could be an interesting option.

Most life cycle analysis will indicate real is the way to go: http://www.ellipsos.ca/site_files/File/Christmas%20Tree%20LCA%20-%20ellipsos.pdf. According to Wikipedia, you need to use an artificial tree for 20 years to equate using a natural tree and on average most people use an artificial tree for only 6 years.

Congrats on your choice of a real tree!

[Vicbowling]

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I never go with a real tree because it's a fire hazard and also because of the cleanup and disposal issues of having them. Also, I don't think we need land devoted merely to Christmas tree farming. It seems to me that there are better uses for land. They do smell nice though.