Which Christmas Tree Suits Your Needs?

So what is the greenest way to go on your tree? A real one or a artificial one. The National Christmas Tree Association has a very good table on the difference on the two.

Here are the reasons I do not use a artificial one.
1. Fake trees are made from nonrenewable petroleum.
2. When a fake tree catches fire, it puts dangerous toxic fumes into the air.
3. Fake trees cannot be recycled
4. Fake trees are manufactured mainly outside of the United States 85% in China

I prefer a "pot in pot" live Christmas trees. Those are specially planted evergreens that can be transplanted outside after the holidays. Since evergreens do not do well here in Texas I have used native trees, of course this time of year they have no leaves. Makes decorating them lots of fun!

To find a Christmas Tree Farm near you the International Christmas Tree Farm Directory should help you. At many of these farm you choose and cut the tree your self, a great way to get the whole family into the Christmas sprit.

The University of Illinois Extension has a good list of trees types.

Some Christmas tree facts.....

• For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2-3 seedlings are planted in its place.

• There are about 1,000,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees. Each acre of trees provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

• There are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S. and over 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry.

• There are approximately 5,000 choose and cut farms in the U.S.

• It can take as long as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail height (6ft), but the average growing time is 7 years.

• The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

• The top selling Christmas trees are the Scotch Pine(36%), Douglas Fir(20%), White Pine (8%), and the Balsam Fir (8%).
• Thanks to Dalou Farms for the above facts.