O, Christmas Tree:

Tradition and Sustainability

Longacres

London Road, Bagshot,

Surrey, GU19 5JB

01276 476 778

Driving down to the garden centre and picking up the

Christmas tree is an annual ritual for most homeowners come the

holiday season. While it may not be a case of Good King Wenceslas

trekking the snowy woods just to reach the house of the peasant

he wants to help, there is always a sense of excitement about

making the trip from the house to the garden centre or farm.

The millions of Christmas trees sold throughout the United

Kingdom come with an annual debate about sustainability. Tree

huggers argue that trees should not be cut down, as they are a

carbon sink, valuable for wildlife habitat, and an important

decorative part of the landscape.

Christmas Trees are Crops

The first thing to keep in mind is that Christmas trees are

crops like any other. It is not cut down from virgin forests, but from

a farm that specifically grows and cultivates such plants. It is a

biodegradable and recyclable product that lets farmers make a hefty

profit from an otherwise low-grade land.

The old-favourite Norway spruce, for instance, was planted in

Victorian times to keep up with the high demand. It was soon

considered the traditional Christmas tree across the UK, but

notorious for its sharp needles that are prone to dropping.

Varieties such as the Nordman fir, the Fraser fir, the Noble fir,

and the handsome blue spruce soon became favoured alternatives

for their more compact branches, better needle retention, and great

jolly scent.

The “Greener” Option

Artificial trees are slowly becoming the preferred option for

many families. A 2012 Daily Mail report said that just around one in

five homes will have a real Christmas tree, as most Brits opt for the

artificial alternatives.

The argument for the artificial options is that they may be

used for several years. However, these are usually plastic-based,

and pollution concerns about manufacturing and disposal abound.

Most of the artificial trees are not recyclable, and often end up in

landfills. Also, these are usually made in China and shipped to the

UK, which means fossil fuels were consumed from manufacturing to

shipping.

In light of all this, as well as other statistics for and against

artificial Christmas trees, people continue to love the non-real option

for its convenience, affordability, and more-controlled look.

Whatever consumers choose, the important thing to

remember is that Christmas trees are traditions worth keeping come

the holidays. Such pleasure it brings thee, bringing all both joy and

glee.

Resources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234929/Just-homes-

real-tree-Christmas.html

http://www.longacres.co.uk/seasonal/christmas-trees/real-

christmas-trees?filter_reset=1

http://www.calu.bangor.ac.uk/Technical%20leaflets/050403%

20CALU%20Christmas%20trees.pdf