It's that time of year for the most popular holiday icon to make its presence. A decorated Christmas tree is a must have for many. In years past that meant going out and cutting your own tree. In recent times it means pulling the artificial tree from the closet and setting it up. Either way the Christmas tree is a seasonal tradition. There are definite reasons for choosing a real Christmas tree over an artificial tree if at all possible. The pros and cons of using either follow.
Artificial Christmas Trees
Pros
- artificial trees are inexpensive and can be re-used for several years
- they work well for those living in apartments where there may be restrictions
- they eliminate allergy concerns for those sensitive to evergreens or other allergens they may harbour
- they are essentially mess free
- many of these trees are petroleum based produced
- they collect dust that can also be an allergen for some
- they do not contribute anything positive to the environment during production or use
Pros
- these trees are grown on tree farms so are a cash crop helping to support those who grow them
- buying locally means you are not adding to your carbon footprint
- real trees help clean the air and provide oxygen during the time they are growing and they continue both while being used as a Christmas tree
- they are natural air fresheners
- for those with wood stoves or fireplaces the trees can be used for heat
- they can be recycled through municipal pick-up or composting
- real trees can harbour allergens including the possibility to that particular variety of evergreen itself
- they can harbour insects
- they can be messy
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
I have selected a prelit Christmas tree through Hammacher Schlemmer for this year.
ReplyDeleteMy sister works with an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor. She says every year they get a rush of allergies and asthma attacks. They always ask, "Do you have a real Christmas tree?"
ReplyDelete