Grow a living tree this holiday season
An article by Heather Falloon
A decorated indoor tree is a holiday tradition for many who celebrate Christmas around the world, but in today’s growing climate crisis is chopping a tree per household the greenest option? Or are there other more eco-friendly ways to keep that real tree experience alive? Let’s weigh up all the options and learn which one tops them all for a Christmas tree that’s green this year, next year and does its bit for the festivities and the planet – for all Christmases to come.
Artificial trees
Artificial trees have become a popular option for many who want a tree they can use year after year. Not surprisingly however, opting for a tree made from plastic, transported from overseas factories and which eventually finds its way to landfill is certainly not the greenest option. Artificial trees have a carbon footprint three times greater than real trees, according to research from Sustainability for All1. Having said that, most experts agree if you already have an artificial tree, its best to look after it and keep using it for as long as you can.
“Artificial trees have a carbon footprint three times that of real trees”
Real Christmas trees
Opting for a real Christmas tree, we might assume, has negative environmental impacts simply due to its felling, but believe it or not, the issue is much more nuanced than that.
After all, before it’s cut down, a Christmas tree is grown on land that might otherwise be used for different purposes. How land is used is particularly important as we are faced with the two looming environmental issues of biodiversity loss and climate change. Forests are an important solution for climate change.
Christmas Tree Farms
If you decide that a real Christmas tree is for you, the sustainable choice is to buy a locally- grown tree from a farm that does not use pesticides and takes a responsible approach to replanting for every tree felled.
Here are some of the eco-benefits:
- Well-managed Christmas tree forests pay a huge role in climate solutions. All trees pull carbon from the atmosphere thus reducing the amount of carbon pollution.
- Real trees are biodegradable so even when discarded they will decompose and return their nutrients back into the soil.
- The plantations are usually grown for roughly 10 years before harvesting and typically for every tree cut down, another tree is planted to replace it.
- The plantations can provide a boost to biodiversity, especially in areas where it has declined due to intensive agriculture.
- The plantations often have comparatively higher numbers of insects or
grasses to support local birds and animals.
Christmas Tree Farm Case Study
Leah, Mike and their children chose their tree from a local farm called Exe Valley Christmas Trees in Devon, UK where every acre of its Christmas tree land produces enough daily oxygen for 16 people and absorbs tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
“Every year our children have great fun choosing their Christmas tree to take home. My family did the same growing up and now we are continuing the tradition. Each time the tree is cut down a new sapling is planted in its place,” said Mike.
Children choose a sustainable Christmas Tree from a sustainably operated Christmas Tree Farm in Devon, UK
How to dispose of your single use tree
How you dispose of the tree after use is an important carbon consideration. When trees end up in land fill, the methane gas produced as it is broken down is far more potent than carbon dioxide. According to the Carbon Trust figures, a Christmas tree that ends up in landfill emits 4-5 times as much carbon as one that doesn’t.
“A Christmas tree that ends up in landfill emits 4-5 times as much carbon as one that doesn’t.”
REAL TREE TIPS & FACTS
- Check if the farm you bought the tree from offers a recycling service allowing it to be chipped and returned to the fields where it grew.
- Many councils offer a free pick-up service.
- Whole trees can sometimes be used as habitat restoration tools
such as on riverbanks and shorelines where they help to prevent erosion. - Some wildlife shelters accept used real Christmas trees to enhance
injured creatures’ habitat. Check first. - One hectare of Christmas trees provides the necessary daily amount
of oxygen for 44 people for as long as the trees live
Living trees
If we look at the lifecycle of a tree from sowing the seeds, carbon emissions, disposal and transportation, the most eco-friendly choice by far is the living tree. A potted tree can be brought inside and, with a little care and water, will be ready for your holiday celebrations. Once the season is over, the tree can either be re-potted for the following year or if you have space, directly planted into your garden where it will continue to provide many benefits to local biodiversity for years to come. Plus, no shredding needles over the floor – the usual bane of the real Christmas tree!
You can grow your own Christmas tree from seed or simply buy an established sapling from your local garden centre who can provide advice on species and care. Usually fir, pine and spruce are traditional Christmas trees, but any tree is a great option. Make sure the potted tree has drainage holes at the bottom and, like any living thing, real Christmas trees need a little love and care to stay healthy and happy.
Benefits of a Living Tree:
-
Re-use: you can re-pot the tree, allowing it to serve as a Christmas tree for multiple years.
- Cost effective: a potted tree reduces the environmental toll associated with manufacturing and disposing of Christmas trees.
- Air quality: a potted tree improves the quality of your air inside the home as trees naturally filter the air, removing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
- One of the most fulfilling aspects of choosing a iving Christmas tree is the opportunity it provides to plant and grow the tree after the holidays. This can turn into a meaningful family tradition.
- Planting your tree outside adds to local biodiversity and offers a habitat for wildlife.
A Picea glauca, a great choice for your Living Christmas Tree
How to care for a Living Tree:
The beauty of choosing a living tree, is that you can simply re-pot for next year or plant in your garden. Here are some top tips to make that a success and keep your living tree thriving and growing with you for many celebrations to come.
Acclimating
Your tree species will be specifically suited to thrive in your outdoor climate. To reduce the shock of moving indoors, it’s advisable to leave the potted tree outside in a sheltered spot until as close to Christmas Day as possible and only watering if the soil feels dry. This way, the tree can become familiar with its new environment.
Light
Once inside choose a cool location that provides natural light such as by a window and avoid using heavy decorations.
Watering
Be careful not to over-water your tree and aim to keep the soil lightly moist. To gauge if your tree needs watering, place a finger into the top 2 inches of soil and if it feels dry, give it some water. Over-watering can lead to rot.
Temperature
Christmas trees usually prefer a cooler climate but depending on your species aim to keep the temperature as close to that of your environment. Avoid heaters and fireplaces.
Living tree tip
When the potted tree is inside, moisten needles with a spray bottle to
prevent needle branches from drying out in the warm air.
Planting your tree outside
When you have found a good location for your tree, first dig a hole at least ten centimetres deeper than the tree’s root system. Remove the tree from the pot taking special care not to damage the roots. Insert the tree into the hole and fill with soil. Press down around the trunk, making sure that the trunk is not covered with soil. During the first three weeks after planting the tree outside, water thoroughly every day and protect it from wildlife with a tree guard.
Living Tree case study
Heather and family have opted to grow a Living Tree this year. The tree was bought from their local garden centre in Sydney and is the Picea glauca species.
“We will look after this tree and keep it alive for many years,” said Archie, 10.
The holiday season, with all its traditional gluttony and consumerism, is the perfect opportunity to reflect and choose to live in a way that gives back to nature. This festive season, consider a potted Christmas tree for a greener, more sustainable celebration.
And remember the words of Francis of Assis, ahead of his time in patronage of animals and the environment back in the 1200s:
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given.”
We invite you, our Global Community, to share your planet-friendly festive photo or tradition. For example, a handmade decoration, a Living Tree, or a plant-based recipe on our community socials with the hashtag #EcoHolidays Facebook.
Let’s inspire each other to live sustainably!
Resources:
Sustainable ideas
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