Christmas tree - real or fake?

Dec 18, 2013

by Dale Odorizzi, Lanark County Master Gardeners

It’s that time of year again—time to decide what type of tree should become the centrepiece of your Christmas decor! For the past decade, the question about the greenest Christmas tree has caused considerable debate among environmentally conscious merrymakers. Both sides have made valid points: advocates of artificial trees take issue with the practice of cutting down trees in the name of festivity, whereas proponents of real trees argue that it's pretty much impossible for a plastic alternative to be green.

The research team at Ellipsos has provided a definitive answer. In its study, the real tree emerges victorious! According to Ellipsos, the artificial tree has three times more impacts on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree. That's assuming your artificial tree lasts six years. If your tree will last more than 20 years and if you'd have to drive a long way to buy a real tree, the opposite becomes true. Regardless of whether you choose real or artificial, there are ways to make sure your evergreen is truly green.

If a real Christmas tree is right for your family, improve its green footprint by buying locally. Choose trees from farms that minimize or do without pesticides and herbicides. You may be able to cut your own tree with a provincial permit, from lands that must be kept clear anyway.

If you opt for an artificial Christmas tree, avoid PVCs - the grinchiest of plastics - that most artificial trees are made of. Not only are these hard on the environment, they're bad for your health. Pick one you love and plan to keep and use it for years to come. Make it last 20 years!

Should neither of these options live up to your desire for a truly sustainable celebration, consider a living Christmas tree. Potted evergreens are just as festive as their cut counterparts! This approach requires more work but your Christmas tree will be with you for years to come.

While the ground is still workable, dig a hole where you plan to plant your tree (50 cm deep and 60 cm wide). Add 10 cm of gravel at bottom of hole if you have heavy clay and 25 cm of manure or compost. Place the soil from the hole in your garage or basement so it does not freeze solid. Bring your potted tree home and leave it outside in cool temperatures. Water every 2-3 days.

When it is time to bring your potted evergreen inside plan to keep it in for no longer than 7-10 days. Position it in the coolest area of your home, away from direct heat source. Place a large sturdy drainage tray under your tree. Decorate with LED mini-lights and your favourite decorations. Water tree daily.

Harden off your evergreen before planting it. Take the tree outside for a few hours each day and put back into the garage overnight. It will gradually readjust to the colder temperatures. After a week of hardening off has passed, trim the rim of the fibre pot down to the soil level with a sharp knife and remove. Cut the bottom right off the pot. Make four evenly spaced slits halfway up the fibre sides from bottom to top but do not remove. Place the container in your pre-dug hole and back-fill the sides firmly with the pre-stored soil. Water thoroughly and then put an extra 10 cm of soil over the top to help insulate the root zone for winter.

In spring, remove the extra insulation soil once the ground begins to thaw in spring. Water with a transplanter fertilizer (5-15-5) to promote root growth. Water regularly, especially during periods of drought or prolonged high temperatures.

Your gardening questions can be submitted and answered on our website at www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca.