Christmas trees are ubiquitous during the holiday season. Currently, 30 to 35 million natural Christmas trees are grown each year, most of which come from farms or plantations. Tree farms currently consume over one million acres of land.
On average, Christmas trees grow for 12 years before they are harvested. Like other crops, the trees require fertilizer, as well as pest and weed control treatment. Unlike other crops, Christmas tree farmers spend a lot of time shearing their trees—cutting off leading shoot tips and the ends of lateral branches to control tree growth. This practise increases the number of branches as well as the density of the tree’s foliage. It also enforces the Christmas tree’s trademark conical shape.
Christmas trees are harvested between early November and mid-December, depending on climate and species. Some are helicopter-lifted from the farm to shipping yards, where refrigerated trucks are used to transport them to local retailers. When it comes to choosing a tree, consumers are no longer restricted to the species grown in their region, as trees can be ordered and shipped from across the country.
For trees shipped from farms to retail stores, freshness is largely decided by how they have been stored. The freshest trees will be found bundled and watered. The needles of a fresh tree should break crisply when bent, with the exception of pine trees. Pine needles do not break unless they are very dry. Another common test for vitality involves shaking the tree trunk; if a tree is fresh, it will not lose many needles.
A live tree can last five to six weeks. It should be watered regularly—the National Christmas Tree Association suggests one litre for every inch of the tree’s diameter—and kept away from vents, or other heat sources. The tree should be discarded before it completely dries out, as to allow the wood to be recycled.
Of course, there is a synthetic alternative to natural Christmas trees. When artificial trees were first introduced in the 1800s, they were modelled after their living counterparts, and made from wire and dyed feathers. Currently, most artificial trees are created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Artificial trees are often the only option for people with allergies to terpene, a chemical found in the sap of natural Christmas trees.
There is debate over which tree-type is more environmentally friendly. Surprisingly, real trees are considered better for the Earth, due to the PVC present in synthetic trees. After manufacture, toxic pollutants can remain in the material. Much of the substance ends up in landfills, as recycling it is difficult and unprofitable. In addition, lead is sometimes used to stabilize the PVC in artificial trees.
Natural Christmas trees can be recycled, absorb carbon dioxide, and create a habitat for small organisms while growing. However, they are sometimes treated with herbicides and pesticides, and are often transported long distances to retailers. For this reason, the environmentally conscious should consider buying locally, organically grown trees.
