Oh Christmas Tree...

[tistheseason]

Just a guess, but I bet almost all the trees we buy are from tree farms which must practice good forestry if they are to stay in business. And while I don't drink the fear mongerer's kool-aid, I bet more 'toxins' are produced in the manufacture of artificial trees.

My sister and I were having this debate the other day. . . .which is better for the environment. I say the fresh tree. The Christmas tree was planted for this particular purpose and I imagine the farmer is planting another one in it's place. And the artificial tree is to end up in a land fill eventually -- at least the box that it was delivered in will. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE an artificial tree (My husband won't even consider it!) And there are a lot of reasons to justify getting one. . . . I just don't think you can say that it's the GREEN way to go.

 

[joho]

For years we enjoyed a real tree. Even after the tree had dried up and started to loose all the needles. Draging the thing down the back steps, and cleaning the debri left behind. Of course when I asked for help no one was to be found.

Now that the kids are gone it's so much easier to take that 6 ft Walmart tree out of the box and when Christmas is over put it back it for another year.

The kids have kept the tradition of real trees in their homes. Now they're getting an idea of the clean up Mom did every year.

Poetic Justice

 

[CPort]

I too bought a potted tree that can be transplanted outside. I just like living things. Back in the 80's I grew Christmas trees (just for friends and family) to come cut. I joined the MS/LA Christmas Tree Assoc. and planted about 50 one year and 25 the next. You really have to stay on top of the prunning . I still have some that are huge in one corner of a pasture.
This past couple of weeks I decided that staying busy was the best thing to do without my Johnny so I've raked 2 yards,planted 40 something tulep bulbs,lots of paperwhites,and some yellow things.Parts of what I've raked has more leaves on it now so tomorrow I'll rake some more. I'm just thinking of it as free exercise and enjoying the outdoors the weather is so nice,yesterday it broke a record set in 1972 of 82degrees. But thats ok, no a/c and no heat!!!!I wore shorts to choir practice last night .(even if it was a practice for our Christmas program)

 

[Miss Kitty]

For years we enjoyed a real tree. Even after the tree had dried up and started to loose all the needles. Draging the thing down the back steps, and cleaning the debri left behind. Of course when I asked for help no one was to be found.

Now that the kids are gone it's so much easier to take that 6 ft Walmart tree out of the box and when Christmas is over put it back it for another year.

The kids have kept the tradition of real trees in their homes. Now they're getting an idea of the clean up Mom did every year.

Poetic Justice

I hear you. Never thought we would have a faux tree. Found one last year that looked so cute and woodsy, I just had to get it. Not having to put the lights on it is the biggest bonus...plus it is already here and we can get it out whenever we want. And...NO MORE CHECKING THE WATER LEVEL!!!! My son does snarl at the tree, though.

 

[Teresa]

my favorite tree was a potted cypress that was so big and beautiful with long soft needles, beautifully shaped, with a unique green color.

Miss Kitty - we snarled at my mother's artificial tree for years. she had raised us on real trees with tinsel and a hodge podge of ornaments collected (and made) over the years. we grow up and she goes and gets this perfect fake tree and then decorated it perfectly like in the department store. we were horrified. but, it is beautiful and we've adjusted...