Is it greener to buy a real Christmas tree?

Yes, real Christmas trees are more eco-friendly and a better choice for the environment. It may feel counter-intuitive, but it's much more sustainable to cut down a real tree each year.


Are real Christmas trees more environmentally friendly?

Real or Fake: Which Christmas tree is better for the environment? Short answer–real! Real trees help fight climate change, and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you're actually supporting forests.

What is the most ethical way to have a Christmas tree?

If you buy an entire tree, complete with roots, you can replant it after Christmas. This is by far the most eco-friendly option. If you don't have the space to replant yourself, you can donate it.


Is it unethical to buy a Christmas tree?

Real Christmas trees are not bad for the environment if they were farmed sustainably and locally. Unethical farming practices or uncontrolled forest exploitation, however, make them bad for the environment. And improper disposal of real Christmas trees will cause additional environmental harm.

How do you make a Christmas tree eco-friendly?

10 Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree Ideas To Start The Festive Season
  1. 1) Recycled Cardboard Christmas Tree. ...
  2. 2) D-I-Y Wooden Plank Christmas Tree. ...
  3. 3) Felt Christmas Tree. ...
  4. 4) Christmas Tree Made Of Used Egg Cartons. ...
  5. 5) Build One Using Collected Tree Branches. ...
  6. 6) Newspaper Christmas Tree. ...
  7. 7) Upcycled Tin Can Tree.


Experts Offer Tips For Those Buying 'Real' Christmas Trees



Why you should get a real Christmas tree?

Real trees are natural, renewable, recyclable products that provide endless benefits to the environment. While growing, trees help keep the air clean and they provide wildlife habitat. And when the holiday season is over, they can be easily recycled into products like mulch that continue to benefit nature.

Do real Christmas trees clean the air?

Real Christmas trees have the ability to deodorize and purify the air in your home by absorbing toxins into the needles and bark. In addition, a study out of Kansas State University found having a real tree can decrease your chances of getting a cold or the flu.

Should I spray my real Christmas tree with water?

There is no need to spray the needles or branches with water on any type of tree. There have been a lot of myths about what to add to your Christmas tree water recently, whether it be aspirin, honey, sugar, plant food or anything else.


How do you sanitize a real Christmas tree?

Hose off the tree to remove pollen and mold. Let it dry before bringing it inside. Wear gloves and long sleeves when transporting the tree to avoid allergens touching skin. Wipe down the trunk of the tree with a solution of one-part bleach, 20 parts lukewarm water.

What keeps real Christmas trees fresh?

The key to maintaining a fresh Christmas tree is to keep the bottom 2 inches of the trunk immersed in water, even if that means refilling the stand every day. Keep your tree hydrated and reduce needle drop by adding 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees for every quart of water added to your tree stand.

What are the cons of having a real Christmas tree?

Disadvantages of real Christmas trees

People with certain allergies will spend the holidays sneezing and wheezing if there's a real tree in the house. Real trees need to be watered and often drop needles. Christmas trees can also harbor bugs and become a fire hazard if allowed to dry out.


How many years do real Christmas trees last?

While many people start decorating on November 1st, even the freshest-cut trees aren't made to last forever. A healthy, fresh-cut Christmas tree will last for four to five weeks if properly cared for.

Why do you put your Christmas tree up 12 days before?

Christian tradition says your Christmas tree should stay up until the 'Twelfth Night', which celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring their gifts to baby Jesus.

What type of Christmas tree stays fresh the longest?

Which Christmas Tree Lasts the Longest? Fraser fir will last you the longest, at about 5 weeks. If you like to buy your tree early, this one should still be looking good by Christmas time. A Douglas fir will also last quite a while at 4 weeks.


How old is a 7ft Christmas tree?

He said: “It takes a Nordmann fir between 7-10 years for high quality shape for a 6-7 ft tree.

What are 5 benefits of real Christmas trees?

Real Christmas Trees

Picking out a real tree is an experience the whole family can enjoy. 1 acre of Christmas trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people every day. Supports small tree farms in the USA. Environmentally friendly and recyclable (Learn how to recycle your tree at Earth911.org)

Is a prelit tree better?

Consider whether a pre-lit tree is worth the added cost. Typically, pre-lit trees are more expensive, but having one will save you time and stress when it's time to decorate the tree. Plus, you don't have to worry about untangling strands of lights after you drag the holiday boxes up from the basement.


Does sugar water help Christmas tree?

While some people swear by adding something extra like sugar, soda and even vodka to their Christmas tree's water, our sources say fresh water is the best option. Fact-checking if adding something to the water will help keep your tree fresh longer.

When should I get a real Christmas tree?

Many tree farms have sales around Thanksgiving, which is usually the best time to buy a real Christmas tree—and is oftentimes even less expensive than waiting to make your purchase on Black Friday or later.

Does sugar water help Christmas trees last longer?

Be sure to replace the water that is used each day and don't allow the stand to dry out. Do not add sugar, aspirin, bleach or floral preservatives to the water; plain tap water is all that is needed to keep your tree fresh.


Should you add Sprite to Christmas tree water?

Always keep fresh-cut trees in water. Don't add sugar, Sprite or any other additives, according to longtime Christmas tree farmer Damian Prause.

What do you put in Christmas tree water to make the tree last longer?

Should you add anything to Christmas tree water? There's some debate about whether adding any kind of preservative to the water (like sugar, corn syrup, aspirin, or even vodka) can keep a Christmas tree fresher, but experts agree that plain, clean water is best.

Is Epsom salt good for Christmas trees?

The magnesium sulfate produced by the epsom salt and chelated iron help in the production of chlorophyll, keeping your tree nice and green. The small amount of bleach added helps in reducing mold that can form when corn syrup and water stand in the resevoir for to long.


How much should I pay for a real Christmas tree?

Around Southern California prices can start at $95 and go up to more than $400 depending on your preference for size and type of tree. Trees are in robust demand this year, but supply is low.

Will a real Christmas tree last 4 weeks?

How long do real Christmas trees last? With proper care, most real Christmas trees should last at least five weeks or more. That means, if you decorate for Christmas in late November, your tree should easily survive beyond the holiday festivities.