Garden Gnome Wanderings: holidays

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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
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