Artificial Christmas Trees

[crystaltips]

Would you buy one ?
Do you have one ?
If so - What one would you reccommend ?

I feel that I should go greener and forgo the "real thing" ...

I think that a Christmas Tree should be for life and not just for Christmas

We bought one years ago, about 10 years, from Debenhams. It was quite expensive at the time, but has more than paid for itself. It is very realistic and still looks as good as when we bought it. It is a bit of a pain to unpack and put up, but it doesn't shed it's needles!

We've got a 'fake' one and I've always had them while living at home too.
Actually, we had a real one the first Xmas DH and I were living together and I just found it hard work. I even found some needles in the carpet at Easter!!!!!!! wouldn't have one again.

Our tree is just from Woolworths, only about £15-£20 so looks pretty lame when it's not decorated. However I spend ages doing it up and buy a few new bits for it each year. The finished article looks lovely and lots of people have told me so.

Really looking foward to getting out of the loft to start again!

Ours are also from woolworths

they look fab when there done up - and worrying about needles with dd or cat.

In fact i like it so much we've brought a smaller one this year to go with the 6ft one dh insited on having.

(just hope the new house's cellings are all enough

Would never have a fake tree. Had one all through my childhood and hated the damn thing!

I love that my Christmas tree looks beautiful even when there are no decorations on it and that the place smells all piney and then there's the tradition of cutting it up for the 'Little Christmas' fire.

And I reckon it's 'greener' to buy a real tree and encourage farmers to grow the things than to buy a lump of plastic.

We got out first fake" tree last year as DD was 8 months old and crawling and into everything. I have only ever has a real one before. We got a lovely fibre optic one and it does look pretty, but not quite the same as the real thing some how. Maybe when DD is a bit older we may go back to the real one again. As EmmaTMG says - it's much easier to look after!

I always swore I'd never do it but...

...real ones were getting just too dear just at the time of year you didn't want to be shelling out extra cash. Got this one in January for 1/2 price so cost the same as a real one. Hated getting rid of the things (still got 8 years of trunks in the back garden somewhere) and always got into a bad temper trying to put the thing up and it took up loads of space. Sure I'll go back to a real one day but for now, this'll do.

Why isn't it green to have a real tree? They are just a crop, like wheat or tulips, grown to be cut and replanted. I would think the manufacture of a fake tree wouldn't be at all green...
I like real trees even though the needles are a pain. We get a non-drop one which does kind of work, and I also love the pine smell.

I think it is the pesticides and fertilisers used that help make the real tree not green IYSWIM. And when you burn the tree it puts carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere (greehouse gas). And this will be done every year, unless you buy one with roots and plant it out. The down side for the fake trees is that they use oil based chemicals in their manufacture, and oil isn't renewable (at least not for millions of years). The upside for the fake tree is that they last for ages, so the damage is limited.

You pays your money....

Our local council recycles real trees for mulch - I don't know anyone who burns theirs, but then I'm in London and you'd be lynched by your neighbours for lighting fires! Do Xmas trees really need pesticides etc? I'd be interested to see an analysis.

Our local council recycles real trees for mulch - I don't know anyone who burns theirs, but then I'm in London and you'd be lynched by your neighbours for lighting fires! Do Xmas trees really need pesticides etc? I'd be interested to see an analysis.

Found this on the net:
It has been proven that real sustainably grown trees are good for the environment compared to artificial trees, which can be more harmful to the environment.
Christmas eco-trees trees impart huge environmental benefits. They provide an excellent habitat for many bird species - the cycle of growing and harvesting the trees is particularly conducive to bird-life.Christmas eco-trees trees help to reduce pollution. Each tree converts about 27lb of carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen every year, and when multiplied by the approximate number growing in Europe (some 400 (+)), this means that nearly 5 million tones of carbon dioxide are removed from the atmosphere.
order now!

Friends of the earth say that they do

www.foe.co.uk/resource/notes_and_queries/questions/how_to_green_christmas.html

Not much detail on this though.

When the mulch rots it will still return the CO2 into the atmosphere, so no real difference to burning it, it is the same process, just slower. To be fair it is the CO2 that the tree has taken out of the atmosphere during it's life time. However if you want to be super green, buy a real tree and keep it alive and growing. (guess who has just taught the Carbon Cycle to her Year 11s??)

The argument that trees can be planted to replace the one used doesn't quite cover the CO2 problem, as a 6 foot tree will take a lot more CO2 out of the atmosphere than a seedling tree.

We've had 'fake' trees for the last 3 years. We decided against a real one because we have a cat who LOOOOOOOOOVES the decorations and, without fail, he pulls at least 6 baubles off every year. Which in turn pulls the needles off too, we tried a non-dropper but it was no match for our cat ! Plumped for a really nice fake one instead which was quite expensive IMO at over £100 for just the tree, but it was really lovely quality and didn't look at all 'plasticky'. However, DH in his enormous wisdom (frown) decided that it was too much hassle to move the tree, decs and all the delicate glass baubles (gorgeous hand painted affairs) when we moved house last May and just chucked the contents of the loft into a skip !!! So now we have to buy all the stuff all over again, silly sod. It's not necessarily a bad thing though because I would like to make more of an effort this year as we are in a much bigger house and decorate the hall and stuff too (subtly though, no glow in the dark plastic santas here !), so I'll be able to do it all from scratch.

Pines forests are generaly poor for a diverse eco system, particularly when they are planted close together to get them to grow nice and straight. There is very little sunlight that gets to the forset floor (unlike mixed woodlands), the needles don't rot very well and make the soil acid. Few other plants will grow there except fungi.

It is true that it is better to plant replacement trees.

Re the co2, once the tree is burned, or the mulch rots, it returns to the atmosphere! That is chemistry!

And this:
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

November 21, 2000
494/00

Choosing your Christmas tree

Why should I choose a REAL Christmas tree?
There is nothing like a natural Christmas tree to enjoy at Christmas time. The look, the scent and the very feel of a REAL tree are integral parts of the warm, homely atmosphere of our most festive season. Choosing the perfect tree is a cherished tradition in many families, and by purchasing a 'Forest Fresh' tree grown in Northern Ireland by the Forest Service, you will enjoy knowing that your natural Christmas tree is great for the environment.
Does choosing a real tree harm forests?
Definitely not! Almost all Christmas trees are grown as a crop, and take from 5 - 8 years to grow. For every 'Forest Fresh' tree bought there are at least two more planted.
How are real Christmas trees beneficial to our environment?
Just one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support eighteen people. In the process C02, put into the atmosphere by our use of fossil fuels, is removed. Trees also act as air pollution filters and can remove up to 13 tons of airborne pollutants per acre per year. Just like any forest Christmas tree plantations are havens for a wide variety of wildlife species. The "edge effect" created by a stand of Christmas trees next to a woodlot or an open field is known to increase wildlife species diversity.
Will my Christmas tree cause disposal problems after Christmas?
No. Most recycling depots will take old Christmas trees, chipping them for use as mulching materials. Real Christmas trees are completely biodegradable and will, on their own, break down and return their stored nutrients to the soil.
Choosing a tree.
There are a number of types of 'Forest Fresh' trees sold from our forests each having it's own distinct features. The three most popular are Norway spruce, Noble fir and Lodgepole pine.
Norway spruce has soft, fresh green, highly aromatic needles and has been the traditional tree used in this part of the world. They should last well throughout the festive season provided they are bought fresh and well watered.
Noble fir lives up to its name with elegant needles and a lovely aroma, it is a good needle retainer and its foliage is ideal for making wreaths.
Lodgepole pine bears distinctive pairs of long needles. It is equally as good in needle retention with a typical pine scent.
This year the Forest Service will have in excess of 10,000 trees for sale. These will be on sale to the public from many of our forests throughout Northern Ireland:
Co. Antrim - Glenariff Forest Park and Portglenone Forest
Cos. Down/Armagh - Belvoir Park Forest, Castlewellan Forest Park, Hillsborough Forest, Rostrevor Forest and Gosford Forest Park.
Co. Londonderry - Garvagh Forest and Somerset Forest
Co. Tyrone - Drum Manor Forest Park
(see press for opening times). Prices will range from £9 to £18.
Wholesalers can buy trees in bulk from many forests at a significant discount. Details of where these are available in your area may be obtained from the Forest Service on 028 9052 5423.

But the CO2 is returned to the environment when it rots/ burned! It only stays out of the environment while the carbon is in the form od complex carbohydrates in the wood!

It stayed 'stored' in wood products, but mulch rots away. When this happens the carbon in the complex carbohydrates is converted into CO2.

And small replacement trees, while an excellent idea, don't convert the same amount of CO2

I VOWED I would never have an articficial one anywhere near the house. Had to be real.

Then it dawned on me if we had a real one this year then xmas would be hell as ds1 can not, will not, is totally unable to tolerate the hoover, so I took the opportunity to buy and 8ft artificial one in last weeks 20% off at homebase weekend. Dh is pleased as he doesn't have to get rid of the thing.

Just another xmas expectation that has had to be binned because of autism (the other major one being I kind of thought my children would want to open presents on xmas day).

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I confess to having a foot in both camps, as we have one of each. Our real tree is locally grown in a beautiful forest where you can take your family for a day out, not the regimented-soldier type woods. We get a 6ft non-drop tree, costing around 20gbp.

We also have an artificial tree - but I insist on it looking artificial so it's white. I bought a new one recently but wish I'd waited as Homebase have pink or aqua ones in stock!!!! That tree is for the dining room.

Tbh, I see the eco-arguments for both sides but whilst our supermarkets stock veggies flown in all the way from Africa, I think trees are not a big deal.

WSM I nearly cried when I read about your dh throwing away glass baubles - how could he?? We have some from when we were first married over 30yrs ago. They are very delicate now but have survived the ravages of cats, dogs, children and a dozen house moves and I add a couple of new items each year.

Personally, I dislike unbreakable baubles - they have to be glass, to cut it (sorry!) for me.

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WOW ! Well I DID ask the question ...
aloha - I am not sure that it was intentional - but I live in Belfast .... did you get that info all about the Forest parks in NI 'specially for me ... ?
Don't answer that - I'll just feel flattered

at Aloha's and HMB's environmental discussions.

I'm afraid I have to come down on Aloha's side on this one. What would that field be used for if it wasn't for growing Christmas trees? Would they just stick a retail park on it or something. And although the six foot tree is replaced by a sapling which isn't using as much carbon dioxide, next year's five foot tree is that bit bigger. I very much see Christmas trees as just another crop. DH agrees but then puts big efforts into moaning about how we have to take two cars to buy it and all the needles in his car etc etc. DS is nearly 3 and we have managed with a real one for each year.

Final argument re real trees. I asked DS what he would like Father Christmas to bring him and he said a "christmas tree". I then asked if he'd like anything else and after some pondering he suggested a "star". Can I deny him?

I don't have a problem with people having real trees at all

It is just that if you want to be greener than green, get one in a pot. It will carry on growing, the seller will plant another one, and we will all be laughing!

I just had to write a reply to the 'real ones are better from a CO2 point of view', argumant. That is only true if the wood stays as wood. Oh, and cutting down the trees frees up the co2 bound in the soil as humus as well....

I just had this discussion with the kids in year 11.....you have to follow through the logic of the carbon Cycle. It isn't politics, or being an eco warrior or anything, it is just chemistry!

The only thing that is true is that we need to plant lots more trees and burn less or evenything!

Your argument has one fatal flaw HMB. I am the worst killer of indoor plants. I seriously do not expect any Christmas tree to survive 3 weeks of my tender care. My garden is lovely (and does include a blue spruce) but my house is full of dead and dying house plants.

Artificial trees are crap imo

But we live next to the forestry commission so an abundance of lovely real pine/spruce trees to pick from. They plant 3 trees for every 1 cut down. It is a lovely family experience going to the forest with the kids when it is dusk with all the pretty lights and dh doing his inspection techniques on the tress. Love it!