A Real vs. an Artificial Christmas Tree




An artificial Christmas tree may seem like an eco-friendly choice since it can be reused and it is not directly killing a plant that is a great environmental asset. However these minimal benefits are severely negated by the environmental cost of the production of fake trees. Celebrating your holiday with a live or cut tree is by far the green way to go. Here’s why:



Artificial Trees Are:

  • Made of PCV, a harmful plastic, which in its production and lifetime impacts the planet in multiple harmful ways.
  • Are mostly produced outside the U.S. which consumes resources in regard to shipping to their destination countries.
  • Not recyclable and are not biodegradable.
  • Not able to provide the relaxing aroma of a real pine tree.
  • Toxic if and when they are burned

    • Your Real Live or Cut Christmas Tree:

    • Is grown on a tree farm that is continually replenished with two or three seedlings for every one tree that is harvested for the holiday.
    • Is not shipped extreme distances, reducing the eco-cost of transportation.
    • Is prior to harvest, a young fast growing tree that is a carbon sink; harnessing greenhouse gases while producing oxygen at the same time.
    • Comes from a tree farm that helps to prevent soil erosion and harmful runoff.
    • Prior to harvest creates a habitat for wildlife and is an integral part of an ecosystem.
    • Can be recycled and/or repurposed.
    • When composted, adds nutrients to the soil.

    Consider A Live Tree

    A live Christmas tree, one that comes in a pot or covered root ball, is a great way to memorialize every Christmas. A tree that is still living, encased in a pot or a root ball enclosed in a sack, can be replanted after the holiday in many regions. This can add beauty to your home and an obvious advantage to the planet, i.e., providing wildlife habitat, lighting your carbon footprint, securing soil, etc.

    While having a live tree is a wonderful idea, they do require specific care that is not necessary for a cut tree. Make sure that you understand what is involved in this care before investing in the more expensive living tree. Ask the experts at your local nursery or read about potted tree care here.



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