Written By Emma Halupka
Edited by Kate Dickson
Most who celebrate the holidays would agree that things would not feel like Christmas without a Christmas tree! However, as you may already know, there are a few environmental considerations to take into account when it comes to selecting your Christmas tree. In this quick blog post, we address the primary two as well as the things you should think about should you want to consider selecting a Christmas tree with the environment in mind!
Fresh vs. faux: Which to choose?
There has been much debate over the pros and cons of artificial vs. real trees. Artificial trees are made of steel and PVC plastic (sourced from oil), usually imported from overseas, and will eventually end up in a landfill. However, because they can be reused, it is possible for them to be an environmentally responsible selection if they are used for years and years on end.
Real trees, on the other hand, take up resources including land, water, and nutrients to grow. However, some may be located on landscapes that cannot support other agriculture. Additionally, the trees absorb carbon dioxide for ~10 years of growth before they are harvested and also provide habitat for wildlife, and ecological functions like soil retention. Finally, real trees are able to be broken down fairly quickly after use, so their nutrients can rejoin natural cycles.
As you can probably see based on the above, there is no clear-cut answer! As is the case with any consumer-based decision, it really comes down to the specific options you have at hand. If you don't want to use a tree for decades and you're able to purchase a real tree that is grown responsibly, a real tree may be your better bet. On the other hand, if you'll use one tree for your entire life and you're not convinced that the nearby farm is utilizing responsible growing practices, a faux version may be better. The best thing you can do is to weigh your options, paying particular attention to the growing practices of local farms (do they avoid chemical applicants, etc) as well as talking to your local tree farmers about how their operations work.
Responsible disposal of live trees
So you've opted for a real tree. What to do with it after the holiday season winds down? Consider giving your tree an opportunity to reconnect with nature! Since trees are carbon-based, many municipalities will chip them into mulch, or even sink them in waterways for use as fish habitat (Dysart et al., for example, will chip for a $5 chipping fee). An even simpler, and arguably more effective option: place your tree in the backyard, and allow it to continue its forest life cycle!
Dead trees and woody material are important components of forest ecosystems, providing shelter and food for many animals, and later on - nutrients and moisture to improve soil health. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has long been an advocate for giving Christmas trees a second life because they help overwintering birds! Also, in the spring, the fallen needles will improve your lawn, garden, or natural habitats, because they hold moisture and nutrients making them available for use by other plants.
Repurpose your tree for wildlife in three simple steps:
- Remove all decorations, especially tinsel. Birds will be attracted to shiny material, and may try to eat the plastic.
- Place the tree anywhere in your yard. You can lean it against a building or another tree, or simply lay it down. You could also add feeders to give the birds an extra treat.
- Sit back and watch the birds and squirrels play! See our blog post to learn about bird species you can expect to see in the winter.
By the spring, most needles will have fallen. At that time, you can decide to let the tree decompose naturally or you can speed it up by breaking off and dispersing the branches: woody material in contact with the ground will break down faster, since it is more accessible to soil fungi and bacteria. Either way, the downed woody material provides important habitat for amphibians, rodents, and pollinators, and can provide additional ecological benefits, like reducing soil erosion, holding moisture for plant growth, and providing essential nutrients such as calcium. Calcium levels in forests and lakes are declining across Canada, but calcium is crucial for healthy habitats. It supports tree growth in forests and even has a role in limiting algal growth in lakes and rivers by assisting in the development of algae-eating zooplankton. Therefore, leaving woody debris on the ground helps supply the building blocks that are fundamental for nature to thrive!
Sources
Cekan, R. (2018). RBG urges Hamilton to donate Christmas trees for conservation. Cekan. https://cekan.ca/hamilton/rbg-urges-hamilton-to-donate-christmas-trees-for-conservation/
Fowler, S. (2018). When you toss your Christmas tree, aim for your backyard, conservation group asks. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/christmas-tree-backyard-nature-conservancy-1.4960443
Olsen, I. (2019). Tree farmers furious over Canadian Tire’s artificial tree ad. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-tire-artificial-trees-1.5384538
Statistics Canada (2017). Christmas… by the numbers. Data collection. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/dai/smr08/2017/smr08_222_2017#a1
Zraick, K. (2018). Real vs artificial Christmas trees: Which is the greener choice? New York Times (NYT). https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/business/energy-environment/fake-christmas-tree-vs-real-tree.html
The Unforeseen Impact of Road Salt Application & Related Shoreland Development on Freshwater Aquatic Food Webs
Leave a Reply