Southern Christmas Tree Association
Keeping it REAL!
It's the natural choice.
Where do REAL trees come from and how does Christmas tree farming affect the environment?
In the past, most Christmas trees came from the forest; today approximatley 98% are grown on Christmas tree plantations.
Most southern grown Christmas trees take 4-5 years to mature. During that time farmers work very hard to care for their trees. The trees must be fertilized, protected from insects, and pruned 2 to 3 times annually. Mowing between rows of trees is required during the summer months.
While Christmas trees are growing they add oxygen to the atmosphere and provide habitat for wildlife. Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource.
Once a tree has been harvested and the Christmas season is over, the trunk and branches can be used as mulch for gardens, parks or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a protective barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive. Mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation.
Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches and on river beds. Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding area for fish. Click here to view a short video on the wetlands restoration efforts of the Jefferson Parish Christmas Tree Marsh Restoration Project.
Where do fake or artificial trees come from and how do they affect the environment?
Most fake trees (85%) in the U.S. are imported from China.
In the words of the National Christmas Tree Association: Artificial trees are a petroleum based product that consume vast resources during fabrication. A burden to the environment, artificial trees aren't biodegradable and will remain in land-fills for centuries after disposal. The average life span of an artificial tree is only six years.
Click here to visit the National Christmas Tree Association's website for a comparison of Real and Artificial trees: Making An Eco-Friendly Choice: The Environmental Debate Settled
