Real Verses Artificial Christmas Trees

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

Cons

• 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

Real Christmas Trees

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
  

Cons

• real trees can harbour allergens including the possibility to that particular variety of evergreen itself
• they can harbour insects
  
• they can be messy

In terms of environmental concerns a live tree is superiour to an artificial tree. Many nurseries are now selling potted live Christmas trees that can be decorated for the season then kept to plant when the weather turns nice. I know everyone has favourite decorations for their trees but consider going for an old fashioned approach using popcorn and cranberries to make garland. Cinnamon dough decorations will give a wonderful holiday scent while decorating your tree and they can be put in the compost bin when you no longer need them. Homemade beeswax ornaments, lace ornaments and other home crafted ornaments can give your tree a lovely look and feel. To make your tree choice more environmentally friendly if you decide to light it up use the new LED lights that will use the minimal amount of energy to light up your tree.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008

English Boxwoods

English Boxwoods
(Buxus sempervirens)

English Boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens) are broad leaf evergreens. These are wonderful, easy to maintain shrubs that add a sense of formality to gardens. They line our laneway creating a welcoming entrance. These shrubs have densely packed light green leaves with a rounded, compact growth habit. They reach about 3 feet high at maturity.

We have a lot of boxwoods. Boxwoods prefer well drained soil to prevent root rot. While they will grow in full sun they prefer partial shade. Pruning is necessary to keep the proper rounded shape and formality. Pruning should be done at least once a year. Mulching is necessary because of their shallow root system. Mulching should be about 3 inches thick starting at the trunk then working outwards for about one foot. During the winter boxwoods may experience bronzing because of exposure to wind and sun. The leaves will turn from green to a reddish brown. To prevent this, spray the shrubs with an anti-desiccant in late November and again in late January. This will help stop water loss from the leaves. Any damaged (winter bronzing) foliage should be pruned out in the spring. Keep the shrubs well watered during the growing season.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2007