Christmas Trees - Real or Artificial?

Going to get a Christmas normally brings up thoughts of peace, joy and family. Our ancestors would hitch up the one horse open sleigh, gather the family (and maybe the dog) and go off into the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Now-a-days we might borrow a friend’s truck and land at the neighborhood fundraiser tree sale only to find out that everyone’s idea of the right tree is different and soon the holiday spirit is crushed and we settle for what the baby wants just to keep him quiet.

At this point we begin to think an artificial tree is the way to go. Perhaps the cat won’t be as intrigued by one that smells so piney-fresh and it probably won't shed needles into the carpet. There is also a lower fire hazard with an artificial tree coated with flame-retardant. Just think of the time saved by using an artificial tree. You'll only have to select one every fifteen years, and year after year all you have to do is unpack it and set it up.

If you’re the more traditional type, you'll want the ambiance of a live tree. The aroma alone is almost worth the stab between the toes when you find that last needle stuck in the carpet in late February. One of the best things about using a live tree is that when the holidays are through, your tree becomes an instant shelter for the birds at the bird feeder. There is no need to save a chunk of space to store this baby, out the door it goes!

For every reason to buy a live tree there is one to support using an artificial tree. Burning fossil fuels to go get a live tree each year, plus fuel used to transport the tree to the consumer -- is that really any better than whatever impact the production of an artificial tree has on the environment? The tree factory probably causes some pollution of the air and water. Tree growers use pesticides in order to provide and un-blemished tree and protect their investment. The theory that tree farms displace the natural habitat is countered by the idea that they have only created a different habitat that is now conducive to owls, for instance.

Christmas tree growers are a fairly large industry in Michigan. This gives us the advantage of a fresher tree that will retain needles longer than trees shipped from distant places. Trees are also a renewable resource and are replanted at tree farms year after year. If you buy a pre-cut tree, about two inches should be cut off the bottom of the trunk before you set it in the tree stand. This will expose fresh “straws” for the tree to take up water. There are several commercial so called preservatives on the market that claim to prolong needle retention. A number of scientific studies indicate you should save your money, or spend more on your wife’s gift, because they are simply ineffective or do not perform as well as plain water. Also, home remedies such as aspirin, 7-up or bleach can cause needles to drop sooner than if plain water is used. The most important thing for encouraging needle retention is to make sure it always has plenty of water.

Even if an artificial tree lasts for a decade, it will eventually end up in a landfill. Some people go the opposite extreme and purchase a living, plantable "bulb tree" which is taken out into the back yard and planted after it's done sheltering presents. Or, don't bring a tree into the house at all and decorate a living tree outdoors with garlands of seeds, nuts and berries that will become food for wildlife.

For more information about choosing a tree, visit The Daily Green.