Christmas Trees: Which One is Right for Your Family?

By Jacqueline Cross (libellule)
December 08, 2009

The choices are many when it comes to buying that all important centerpiece of the decorated Christmas holiday home. Artificial, live potted and cut trees can be found in all sizes, price ranges and even colors.

(Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 23, 2008.  We hope you enjoy it as we count down to Christmas.)

The market is flooded with choices when it comes to Christmas trees. Ultimately, the choice of which tree to purchase depends on the family purchasing it. For my home I purchased a small inexpensive artificial tree this year. It is my first tree in several years and I felt like I should have one this year because one of my children and my two year old grandson are visiting from out of state this Christmas. I have to say that it went against my grain to use an artificial tree in my home. I would much rather have a live potted tree, but  that is personal preference. Below is a look at some of the choices available.

Trees in warehouse courtesy of Hoodsie at Morgue File

Artificial Trees:

Concern over the environment may cause some to shy away from artificial trees while others use them due to family members who may have allergies to evergreens, ease of use and the fact that they may be reused from year to year.

Artificial trees are made from plastics and metals. The plastics are not environmentally friendly because they do not break down in landfills, which is where they ultimately wind up.

The majority of artificial trees are produced in Asian countries and must be shipped to the North American coast and then trucked or taken by rail to delivery points across the country.

Thousands of dollars worth of resources which are not renewable are wasted by the time these seasonal items are delivered to warehouses and stores around the country. 

Live Trees:

Cut trees wrapped in netting by Smallwon at Morgue File

These tree farms can be found all over the country making it easy for families to bring home a live tree for their Christmas holiday.

• Large Christmas tree farms may use pesticides when growing these trees. Try to find an organic tree farm if possible. If this is not an option, spray the tree with the water and allow it to sit outside for a few days when you bring it home.

• Allergies to evergreens or pesticides used on trees may be such that a live tree can not be used in some homes.

• Potted trees are much heavier than cut trees. Soil on the roots can make the tree very heavy. Keep this in mind because you may need to enlist some help when moving the tree.

• While in the field, trees help to clean the air by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• Live trees also provide shelter for birds and other wild critters if chemical pesticides are not used excessively.

• Cut trees can be recycled into mulch for the garden when the season is over.

• Potted trees can be planted in the landscape where they will live for many years providing wildlife habitat, continuing to clean the air which in turn improves our lives and the lives of future generations.

Decorated live tree courtesy of MConnors at Morgue File

• A note about buying potted trees:

If the ground is not frozen when you bring the tree home; dig a hole large enough for the tree, lay a piece of burlap or tarpaulin in the hole and place the loose dirt on top of it. When the tree is taken out for planting after Christmas, your planting hole will be ready to receive it. This is helpful if the ground freezes while you are celebrating the holidays.

A few miles from my house is Jeffery's Christmas Tree Farm. Richard Jeffery has been growing and selling trees here for more than two decades. Although the likelihood there will ever be snow dusting the limbs of these evergreens creating a magical winter wonderland, a walk among the trees is still a pleasant way to spend time with your family. Like any good tree farmer, Mr. Jeffery is always friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Placed squarely in front of the office building he has placed a sign which reads:

"This is a Christmas Tree Farm. Feel free to breathe deeply. The trees of this plantation are absorbing carbon dioxide and sending out fresh oxygen. Use a natural tree every Christmas so that this plantation can keep on making clean air."
Member of the Florida Christmas Tree Association

For my family, that pretty much says it all.
Happy Gardening and Merry Christmas!

About Jacqueline Cross   I'm a native Floridian...feet planted in the shifting sands of northwest FL. but my heart strings are tightly knotted to the hills of Tennessee. I live with my poodle, Minnie Pearl, Zsa Zsa the cat who runs the whole show and a new addition, Kitty Belle. I'm a writer, gardener, quilter, cross stitcher, soapmaker and nature lover. Mother to 3 wonderful daughters & Nana to 6 perfect grandchildren. I also write for Suite101.com and was promoted to Feature Writer in the vegetable gardens section in 2008.

Helpful links   [ Mail this article | Print this article ] » Read articles about: Holiday Celebrations, Christmas, Evergreen Trees And Shrubs » Read more articles written by Jacqueline Cross « Check out our past articles!

Discussion about this article:

Subject Topic Starter Replies Views Last Post my Christmas Tree susan8mcnally 1 13 Jan 4, 2009 5:50 PM What- no threads yet? sallyg 1 19 Dec 26, 2008 1:39 PM

You cannot post until you login.