Choosing your Christmas tree
artificial or real?

Artificial trees today look real. And there's no doubt that it's convenient to simply pull the tree out of storage. Plus it's nice to not have to worry about falling needles, watering, or fire hazards.

On the other hand, there's nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. And for those of us who prefer natural over artificial, the real thing is the way to go.

But what's the right thing to do from an ecological perspective?

Artificial trees are made from non renewable petroleum products whereas Christmas tree growers replace cut trees with a new crop of seedlings.

Artificial trees can be reused for many years but when they are discarded, they go to the landfill. REAL trees can be used as mulch to replenish the soil. The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario have more recycling tips on their website.

Artificial trees can be more economical... unless of course you have access to trees on your own property that you can cut each year. For the cost of a single large live tree, you can purchase an artificial tree that looks the same but will last for many holiday seasons.

But despite the apparent advantages and ease of an artificial tree, a real tree is the "greener" choice.

It’s about what the artificial tree is made of, and what it does to the environment when it is created and when you dispose of it that tips the scales in favor of the real tree.

For more details on the "great tree debate" visit National Christmas Tree Association.

Cutting your own

Finding and cutting your own Christmas tree can be a wonderful country Christmas experience. Even if a home-grown, home-cut tree isn't postcard perfect, it will, like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, be a special and cherished part of your holiday.

One more alternative - how about a living tree? Some people decorate potted Norfolk pines as their Christmas tree. We're told that many nurseries sell potted Christmas trees. You could plant the tree on your own property in the spring or donate it to be planted in a public place.

What do you think about the great tree debate. Is your Christmas tree artificial or real? Let us know your thoughts.