Although it is becoming common knowledge that the most environmentally friendly Christmas tree option is to put up a real, live Christmas tree, this does not mean it is a good idea to dispose of artificial trees that still have some life left in them!
Families who store an artificial Christmas tree in the basement or attic should consider putting it up in the house, even if plans have already been made to pick up a live tree from a local lot or tree farm. This way, adding artificial tree(s) to local landfills can be avoided until it’s absolutely necessary.
There are several advantages to making the most of artificial trees.
- Watering. Live Christmas trees need to be watered regularly. If they are allowed to dry out, they tend to drop needles. Thirsty dogs and cats in the house might make it necessary to water even more often! An artificial tree eliminates cause for worrying about the mess or concern of watering.
- O Messy Tree! Live Christmas trees can be very messy, although this tends to depend on the variety of tree chosen. Some firs are much less likely to drop needles than their pine or spruce counterparts. Removing the tree from the house after Christmas is over usually results in a trail of needles from the living room to the front porch! It can be a depressing ritual to drag a dead tree out to the curb. This is not a problem with an artificial tree.
- Stability. Artificial trees are unlikely to fall over, while it is more of a challenge to balance a live tree correctly in a tree stand. When trees fall over, ornaments get broken.
- Flexibility. There is more flexibility when it comes to finding time to put up and decorate an artificial tree. Real trees aren’t usually sold in city lots until the first week of December. If the weather has been wet or snowy, a real tree will need time to drip-dry before it is decorated. An artificial tree can be put up when it is convenient.
- A variety of shapes and sizes. There is more variety in size for artificial Christmas trees. Small, live trees shouldn’t be cut down while they’re still young. A smaller artificial tree might be a better option for small living spaces.
When looking for ways to remove stress from the holiday season, those in the spirit of the holidays in need of a less fussy option for decorating should consider reusing an artificial Christmas tree!
Amy Urquhart - Amy Urquhart is an editor, freelance writer, wife, mother and gardener living in Bowmanville, Ontario. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts ...
