November 2007 - Nr. 11
Real Christmas trees are the environmentally friendly choice
The winter season is around the corner and Canadians will soon begin searching their basements, garages and sheds for Christmas decorations.
Yet, when it comes to the most important decoration - the Christmas tree - homeowners often don't consider the benefits of choosing a real tree.
Carla Grant, Executive Director of the Ontario Forestry Association, explains why real trees are better than artificial trees, and offers some excellent tips for finding that perfect tree.
"Christmas trees are grown on farms specifically for the holiday, and while growing, they take carbon dioxide out of the air, provide wildlife habitat and provide soil and water retention," says Ms. Grant. "Real Christmas trees are also grown locally and are 100 per cent biodegradable, unlike artificial trees, which are often transported halfway around the world and are made from a non-biodegradable petroleum based product that requires a lot of energy during the manufacturing process."
Ms. Grant explains how to select a pre-cut Christmas tree: "First, brush your hand across the needles. The fewer needles that come off, the fresher the tree. Next, make sure there is sap coming out of the cut on the trunk. This is another indication of freshness."
"And when cutting the tree yourself," says Ms. Grant, "look for a straight trunk with few gaps in the branches."
Once you get the tree home, there are certain things you can do to ensure your Christmas tree stays fresh throughout the holiday season. "It is essential to cut a couple of centimetres off the bottom of the trunk to provide a clean surface for the tree to take up water. If a clean surface is not created, the tree will not take up water," explains Ms. Grant. "It is also vital that the tree is watered every day and kept away from any heat sources to avoid drying it out."
As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, nothing compares to the smell of a real tree in the home!
