Christmas trees ethical or not?

Christmas trees used to be a by product of forestry i.e. the tops of trees which were being felled for timber, so essentially a waste product being recycled.
When you factor in all the equipment used and the fuel for transportation of specially grown trees you are certainly wandering in to unethical territory in my opinion.

Thankyou for that information Youcan’tchoosethem - it confirmed what I already thought!
We’ve got a small rooted one in the living room and a bigger cut one in the garden room.

I bought a small rooted tree 6 or 7 yrs ago and plonked it out back on Jan 6,and brought it in the next year. It was very sad looking the following year, so I bought another. Having retired, I watered and fed the 2nd one, and feeling guilty, watered and fed the 1st one too. It perked up. I now have 2 to bring in this weekend, same as the last 4 years!

A plastic tree has t be used every year for 10 years for it to be as planet friendly as a real tree.

We have one of each. The plastic one we have had for 5 years so far and it is definitely good for at least another 5 years. Our Christmas tree comes from a local Christmas tree farm. They started planting Christmas trees because the soil is not suitable for arable crops.

Well I doubt if cutting down if Chrismas trees would add to much to to global warming a those real xmas but planting non conifer trees would be a far better idea.
They would last.

St. Annes use them on the beach to help to combat coastal erosion.

They are grown for this purpose and if we didn't buy them , it would another business down the pan .

Really helpful information from Youcantchoosethem thank you. I love to have a real Christmas tree and I dont want to feel guilty for the whole of the festive season. I gave up flying two years ago on environmental grounds and so far as I can tell not taking flights, particularly long haul, seems to be one of the best ways to do something positive for the planet.

I ve had my fake tree for years and years it’s a nice white so looks bright with my mauve and light blue baubles on it I d love a real tree but I can’t justify an extra £30 plus each year just for me to look at

My DH, a former publisher, says that many fast growing trees are used as crops to make paper. The same goes for Christmas trees. As long as you plant new ones, you’re fine.

Perhaps the question is really, ‘Is it ethical to be Puritanical about Christmas.’

I run countryside & environment, woodland and horticulture courses and can confirm that trees in their first five years take on at a faster rate more CO2 than at any other time in their lives. If they are disposed properly and composted then it is an extremely friendly option. Most tree growers plant more trees than they harvest each year.

Most certainly better than purchasing a plastic tree, however if you already have a plastic tree then use it as long as possible to not impact the planet further. If you have the space of course having your own planted tree is also an excellent option. Hope that helps.

My Christmas trees are potted....they are potted on as they grow. They are sitting outside and have lights on...a group of 3. All different sizes.

Soz I''ve come into this late but am panicing to get a decent pot grown tree approx 3-4ft and would appreciate any leads x

When Woolworths was closing down I bought a grow your own Christmas tree kit. Over the years I have nurtured them, gave some away, have two in the garden, one of which I decorate each year. They take so long to grow, I couldn't buy one unless it had roots.

Renting a tree!

We got it fairly locally, its 4'6" (this year!) Cost £35 plus delivery. It is a nice even shape and came with a 'barrel'.

I wish I had ordered a slightly bigger one (we usually have 6ft) but wanted to out it in a different place this year. It looked a bit silly so it is back in the usual place and is too small really. But, that's our fault not theirs!

I won`t be buying a cut Christmas ever dragonfly46 .
Were supposed to be planting more trees not chopping them down.
I suppose some could buy one that can be planted in the garden after Christmas roots and all.
Iv`e never heard of renting one? how interesting.

Well, I still buy a tree every year. They are grown locally, so I am keeping people in work. The scouts collect them after Twelfth night and take them to be turned into wood-chips, so the youngsters are learning to be responsible for the environment.

Oh dear - my mind is now TOTALLY befuddled !

Have an artificial one and keep re-using it year after year (as I currently do, to save money, and avoid single-use-plastic / land-fill) .................
OR
support a local Christmas Tree Farm with my business each year and then send for composting (via the local Scouts - to help them raise valuable funds). Very Public Spirited and eco-friendly but oh-so-expensive ....................

Decisions, decisions ..........................

Think of the families you are helping to support in the business. They are a crop and harvested that way. Next we will think if it is ok to harvest wheat.

Looking at this may help you make up your mind. We sing it every year.
tbes.wpusd.org/subsites/Robyn-Harp/documents/5th%20Grade%20Lyrics/The%20Christmas%20Tree%20Feud.pdf

I have had the same artificial tree for the past 22+ years so I have saved a good few trees from being chopped down.

Pine grows very fast.
I had a tiny Xmas tree given as a gift years ago, replanted into my front garden.
It is now huge and going to be too close to the building in another couple of years.

Yes kitty i must look into rent a tree - sounds like a great idea.

Kittylester love that idea rent a tree, if I'm not being nosey how much please?

We bought a potted one around 6 years ago and have looked after it since then. It is now a little too big for inside so I have put it next to the front door with lights on ( on a timer ). Not only a bargain but environmentally friendly.