Oh Christmas Tree…

When do you put up your Christmas tree? I know a lot of people who put up their tree right after Thanksgiving, but we are more of a last minute family.

My son’s birthday is on December 18, so we generally wait until at least December 19 to put up our tree. It’s better that way anyway, poor thing doesn’t stand a chance to survive the season if we get it too early – plus they are usually half off!

I had considered an artificial tree this year, but which is worse? Cutting down a tree or buying a plastic one? An artificial tree may last me 5 years, that’s saving 5 real trees! Of course when I’m finished with my artificial tree it will sit in a landfill forever while my real tree can become mulch.
Artificial trees are manufactured in factories and the majority are imported from China. Cut trees are grown on tree farms where they are absorbing carbon dioxide and providing oxygen for up to 10 years until they are harvested. Farmers plant 1 to 3 new seedlings every year to replace those that have been cut, keeping the cycle going.

Did you know?

The Addis Brush Company, a toilet brush manufacturer, created the artificial tree from brush bristles in the 1930’s.

My next choice was a cut tree vs a live tree. A live tree would be a much better environmental option, but lets face it, I can’t keep a cut tree viable for the short amount of time it lives in the house, a poor live tree doesn’t stand a chance.

So a cut tree it was! Our choice this year was influenced by the newest arrival to our party, my little Nigel. He is a terror, but I love him dearly. We bought a smaller tree (easier for us to pick up off the floor when he knocks it over) only using our plastic ornaments, leaving all of my sentimental (and breakable) ornaments in the box.

Choosing to stay with his ornery nature – he didn’t bother the tree, although the tree skirt didn’t fair as well.

Our lovely tree served its purpose as a symbol of the season, and a backdrop for lovely photos. Now as we begin the new year it is time to take it down, clean the house and begin the year fresh and new.

Here are some quick facts to consider as you get ready to dispose of your tree. Landfills are not conducive to allow your tree (or any other organic matter) to decompose – there isn’t enough air flow. When it finally does decompose it will release harmful methane gas into the atmosphere.

Keep making environmentally friendly choices and drop your tree off at a local tree-cylcing center where it will become beneficial mulch. Most recycling places will allow you to pick some up once they have mulched it and you can put it right back into your own garden.

Want to enjoy your tree a little longer? You can put the tree in your backyard (sans decorations), hang some popcorn and orange slices and let the birds use it as a refuge. When you are done with it use it for firewood (we used to save it for camping) or if you have your own wood chipper create your own mulch.