Teresa Hall is a contributing writer for Earth 911. Become an Earth 911 contributor.

In so many ways, the Christmas holiday season really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for making special memories with family and friends, and for cherishing the treasures, gifts and blessings that holiday festivities bring. It’s also a time when peace, goodwill, compassion and caring for others are all in the forefront of our social consciousness. So, too, should be our concern for the world we live in.

The Christmas tree is an annual staple for millions of homes’ holiday décor. But just because these trees are green doesn’t mean that they are always friendly to the environment. Even if you’ve decided that the more eco-friendly choice is a real tree over an artificial one, there are still other factors to consider with your tree.

Grower Practices

According to Umbra Fisk of Grist, “Christmas trees are an agricultural product and carry the attendant issues of all mass agriculture. There are trees grown with pesticides and herbicides vs. organic specimens, there are family operations vs. large-scale producers, etc. The bottom line: Go for the actual tree and try to support a small-scale sustainable grower if you can.”

In other words, the “greenest” trees can be found by actively seeking out organic tree farms that pursue integrated pest management practices as opposed to traditional chemical applications in farming. Not to mention, local organic growers are especially desirable because buying locally eliminates the need for shipment of trees via truck transport while supporting one’s local economy.

Of course, local growers may not always be available; it’s tough to find growers in big cities or areas with warmer climate such as deserts. Still, purchasing a tree closer to its source means that much less travel required for the farmed tree. The National Christmas Tree Association provides a directory of locally grown Christmas trees for each state.

Post-holiday Tree Uses

Earth 911 offers the largest database of Christmas tree recycling locations, but keep in mind that recycling is the third option in “reduce, reuse, recycle.” You’ve already reduced your impact by doing proper tree research, but there are many things that can be done to reuse a live Christmas tree after the holiday season is over. Some suggestions:

• Chip the tree and use as mulch around trees, shrubs or perennial flower beds. This is often what a recycling location will do with trees that are brought in, but if you have a chipper you can take care of the process at home.
• Prune the branches and place the boughs over perennials as winter mulch.
• Plant it in the backyard. The tree will provide shelter for birds and wildlife. The important thing to keep in mind before replanting is that the tree must have roots or it will not grow properly. Another important point is that trees should only be indoors for a week if they are to be replanted so they don’t grow accustomed to the indoor temperatures.
• Sink it in a pond. This is another option used by recycling programs, as trees can offer refuge to fish in a private lake or pond, assuming, of course, that the tree has not been treated with chemicals. If you have a nearby body of water, the tree’s nutrients can benefit this ecosystem.
• Contact a conservation group. Some hunting and fish groups collect trees and use them as habitat for fish and wildlife.

Of course, it must be said that the most environmentally sound and sustainable option for Christmas decorating would be to decorate without a tree. But, cultural norms, family traditions and nostalgic practices may not coincide with this option, so making adjustments to your tree shopping and disposal habits can make all the difference.

Sources

• http://www.christmastree.org/facts.cfm
• http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/12/08/umbra-tree/
• http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/46/oh-christmas-tree-oh-green-christmas-tree.html
• http://jessica.zaadz.com/blog/2007/11/christmas_trees_for_the_environment
• http://www.gardensimply.com/articles/misc/mi2.shtml
• http://graynews.maine.com/2007-12-07/green_at_skillins.html