Which tree is the greenest for Xmas?

Are you wondering which Xmas tree is the best for the environment? Should you buy an artificial or a real (cut/potted) Christmas tree?

Yes, there are pros and cons about both choices, but which will you go for?

•  ARTIFICIAL TREE: A popular choice especially for commercial reasons.

The benefits of this tree are that they can be reused every year, are cheaper, easy to
assemble and store away. Another good thing about artificial trees is that they do not need to be watered and the needles will not drop off and make a mess in your house.

The downside of this is that the manufacturing process is usually harmful to the
environment, the artificial trees are not biodegradable and can’t be recycled so they
end up in a landfill.

• REAL (CUT) TREE: The freshness and natural aroma give a unique and distinguished atmosphere in the room.

The benefits of cut trees are that another tree is planted for each one harvested to
ensure a steady supply year after year and after Christmas, you could take your tree to a
recycling center, where the wood can be used.

The downside can be the transportation of the tree,  it sheds needles, it requires
watering and it tends to be more expensive.

• REAL (POTTED) TREE: A live tree comes potted with its roots intact.

It is the best choice, the greenest tree for Xmas, if you want to keep it alive and can plant it again. It takes in carbon dioxide and releases fresh oxygen into the air and helps reduce the greenhouse effect.

If you buy your Christmas tree potted, after the holidays you can plant it in your garden. In this way, you will have a traditional real tree while being considerate to our environment as well. And this has been my preferred choice (over ten years) and all my potted trees ending up in my friends’ gardens. 😉

What is your preferred choice of  Xmas tree and why?