Green England Articles To Tree or not to Tree . . . . An Interesting Question!

To Tree or not to Tree . . . . An Interesting Question!

By Karen Jeckells

Even as the Festive Season approaches and the bustle of Christmas preparation begins, the question of ‘real’ or ‘artificial’ Christmas trees is an evergreen debate. Here at Green England we’ve mulled over the question as well as mulling the wine and have investigated some of the pros and cons . . . .

Artificial Trees

The enduring argument in favour of artificial trees is that they can be reused year after year, therefore not using any new raw materials.

However this is rather undermined by the fact that plastic trees are used not for a "lifetime", but for an average of five or six times before being discarded to spend a few centuries degrading in a landfill.

BUT they don’t drop pine needles, which saves wasting electricity on vacuuming!

There is the concern that artificial trees are typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a product of the petrochemical industry and like kryptonite to greenies! Greenpeace have lobbied for the phasing out of PVC because they claim dioxins are produced as a by-product of its manufacture.

PVC and plastic are NOT the only options though and some companies produce artificial trees with real wood trunks and silk and polyester foliage, which may biodegrade more easily

Artificial trees are often made overseas (in the East for instance) and although they can be bought by the end user for a realistic price, shipping increases the trees’ carbon footprint

Real Trees

The Christmas tree industry points to the fact that the growing of trees helps to offset carbon dioxide emissions - it claims that one acre of trees absorbs the CO2 of 18 people

However, in the UK many Christmas tree retailers import their trees from Scandinavia, indicating that the carbon miles associated with the transport of your Christmas tree can undermine any environmental advantage of having a real tree!

About 7 million Christmas trees are grown and sold in the UK each year, Of these only 10% were recycled and fewer than 5% planted to be re-used next year (Defra)

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association is the trade association for companies that grow their trees in the UK and their website holds details of all of its members. A retailer that is a member of BCTGA will sell trees that are grown in the UK - and it will also be likely that their trees were locally grown

There are Christmas tree farmers in the UK who use more sustainable farming methods. The Soil Association has certified some Christmas tree producers as organic growers or some farms may boast Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation.

It takes up to 10 years to grow a Christmas tree and in that time the tree is constantly taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. An acre can produce enough oxygen each day for 16 people

Growing trees is an excellent habitat for birds and wildlife, and BCTGA code states ‘no work will be done which disturbs nests or young birds’’

Container grown trees are a good option and can survive several Christmases

Cut trees obviously won’t survive beyond Christmas, but many councils now have recycling schemes producing bark chippings that can be used in playgrounds, walking trails or for gardens

One potential problem with real trees is any overuse of pesticides but try to find a grower who uses organic growing methods

Local grown trees means local employment and supporting local economy

I also hesitate to raise the possibility that the practice of Christmas Trees should, just perhaps, be reappraised??

Why not dedicate a tree instead of buying one each year? The Woodland Trust helps you do this (woodland-trust.org.uk/christmas/plantatree)

For a natural look, try making your own tree from trimmed evergreen boughs, a storm-felled branch, or a piece of driftwood.

My personal opinion? For folks who already have an artificial tree, please keep using it for as long as possible. I favour a container grown tree I have nurtured the last two years (called Bruce the Spruce) but when Bruce is eventually planted out I won’t have a tree at all! We’ll be creating our own festive focal point using fallen branches . . .

Let Green England know what you think . . . . we are polling your votes.

Or email us your thoughts and good suggestions for Green decoration at Christmas!!

Keep a watch for more articles about Greening Your Christmas . . . . . green gifts, recycling, festive fayre . . .

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