Do you think we should stop using real Christmas trees now?

Answer 1

No, I don't. Most are grown on family farms and provide income to those families. They are a renewable resource. Besides, I like the smell of a real tree at Christmas.

Answer 2

Real Christmas Trees actually are better for the environment than artificials, if disposed of properly. Most localities collect the trees separately and mulch them. The mulch is either used either around parks and public buildings, or provided free to homeowners for use in their own gardens.

Artificial trees are mostly plastic (and steel of course) - which requires processed petroleum. The average lifespan on an artificial tree is about 7 years before the steel branches reach metal fatigue and people start throwing them out. They don't break down and don't get recycled.

The fire-risk is lower on artificial trees however, so some high-rise buildings prohibit natural trees for this reason. For people with allergies, the artificial trees are better.

So ultimately, it really depends on the person.

Answer 3

No, we should not stop using real Christmas trees. Most of the trees are grown for just that reason.If we were all going into the woods to cut down trees,then I would say we should stop.I also think we should be saying Merry Christmas instead of Season's Greetings.But you did not ask my opinion on that.It can be a nuisance bring a tree in the house,with the fallen needles but now a days it is much safer with the new LED lights.

Answer 4

An interesting Q.

First of all, I suspect that those trees are cultivated specific to their purpose, so it isn't exactly like we're clear cutting old growth forests for profit at that time of year.

That said,,, we are clear cutting and stripping land of old growth, specifically for other profit motives, however.

I'm a latent tree hugger myself, but in this Q it's less an environmental issue than need be worried over.

Consider too, what the substances are in an artificial tree, and what resources are used up in the manufacture of same.

Then consider the real NEED for a holiday tree at all. Would the holiday be less valid if you used a small tree of any substance, or NONE, but added the unused space to enjoy more guests, gifts, etc... and no worries about disposal after the fact?

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

No. It's a farmed resource, constantly being renewed each year by planting by the same farmers. It's like saying should we abandon eating real foods?

My tree is fake, and it's nice and all, but I can't wait to move so I can get a real one. Living in a second floor apartment is just too tough to drag a real tree up there. There's notrhing like the smell of a real tree, not to mention, you get a whole new look every year, plus the fun of tromping around the tree farm looking for just the right tree!

Answer 6

Mine is a real Christmas tree but it's made of plastic and fibers :)

There are some things though that justify buying a life tree, that is when you buy them from someone who will use the proceeds to plant more trees, i.e. the trees they sell are only the ones they need to get rid of (when they are too close to others, pardon my English but I can't remember what it's called).

I have only once bought a life tree in my life, that was the Christmas when I was vacuming pine needles off my floor during the holidays insead of enjoying myself :).

Answer 7

There are a lot of people who enjoy the smell and look of the real thing which I think is fine provided we replace what we take out.

Then comes the day they get slung into the driveway and get left for days, if they where recycled and put back into the land then it is a good idea.

There are some really nice fake trees available now or why not decorate a tree in the garden if you have one available to use.

Answer 8

No. Most Christmas trees are grown on farms, not harvested from the wilds. Plus they can be used for mulch outside when finished.

Artifical trees are a petroleum based plastic and do not decompose, but rather take up landfill space forever when finally tossed. Average life of an artifical is about 5 years.

Answer 9

Well, I've never seen a fake one that looked half as good as the real ones...

And I think the real ones are better for the environment than the fake ones, trees are great air filters, animal habitats, and live trees are a renewable resource, unlike the plastic/metal fake ones. After the holidays, they can be mulched, or some communities lash them together whole and use them for erosion control on riverbanks.

Answer 10

I have been using an artificial tree the last few years and miss the traditional real one and plan on switching back! Miss the fragrance of the pine ( Yeah, I know you can buy candles that smell like pine trees but miss the real tree)