The debate that divides co-workers, friends, siblings and even spouses....A lovely real cut Christmas Tree or a 'Made in China' plastic beauty (tongue firmly in cheek). I've been in the Christmas Tree Selling part of the industry for over 20 years and have heard many reasons why for both sides. Here are the key points.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, by far, have many more redeeming qualities then an artificial tree.
Fresh trees allow you to bring a small part of our great Earth into your home. The fragrance of many varieties are just simply outstanding. From the great evergreen scents from a Fraser or Douglas Fir to the tropical citrus aroma of a Concolor Fir. You can buy the scent in a spray bottle for your your fake, plastic tree, but it smells just that...fake (and it only lasts for a short time).
Fresh trees are a recyclable commodity. The growers replant every year to keep the earth healthy - true sustainability. Once the Christmas Season is over, your tree can be taken to many Garden Centers to be chipped for wood mulch. Ever try to recycle an artificial tree? They don't fit in your bin and with all the processes needed to make it, who knows what type of plastic it is (if it's even plastic). And then there's the wire branches....
I have heard many a spouse say 'it drops needles and makes a mess'. Well, most of us use a vacuum once a week anyways, so that's a non issue. And, just for point, a fake tree 'sheds' too....ever try to glue the needles back on for the next year?
The fresh tree only takes up space in your home for about 4-6 weeks. The artificial tree takes up space in your closet, garage, or attic all 52 weeks a year!
'Real trees cost more and more each year' is another great comment. Stop being a Scrooge. I'm sure your Christmas Gift budget can handle that $30-$50 each year. It's likely you spend that much (at least!) on your favorite beverages each month. And each year the new tree is fluffy and full. I watched my father spend 1-2 hours a year trying to 'fluff' that plastic tree every year for 5 years...and each year the artificial tree started looking more and more like Charlie' Brown's!
Be Green. Love Mother Earth. Keep the tradition of having a Fresh Cut Christmas Tree each year.
Happy Christmas. Todd.
p.s. What does the title of this blog mean? Its the Latin name (all plants, like all living things are classified in Latin) given to Artificial Trees.
