Why choose a real Christmas tree

Many people choose to buy artificial Christmas trees (many buy artificial Christmas Trees online) as they can be re-used year on year. They don't drop needles, have their own Christmas tree stands and can look great. They can also add a touch of individual style, for instance the fashion for having artificial black Christmas trees. After twelfth night they can put back in a box and stored in the attic or garage until next year.

However other people, especially children love the thrill of choosing their own special tree that will fit in their chosen place. Each year a different tree can be picked and decorated. Real Christmas trees often have a scent that adds to the Christmas feel.

Over and above the taste choice, the environmental issues of buying Christmas trees has become a matter of debate as the world tunes into issues of global warning, waste and the environment. More and more people want to do as much as they can to minimise their environmental impact and recycle goods.

Artificial Christmas trees are usually made from PVC, a toxic material which is often stabilized with lead. Other artificial Christmas trees are made from Polythene which are less toxic though more expensive. Many artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in countries where environmental concerns are less important than in the UK. They also have to be imported leaving a carbon footprint as Lorries, ships or aero planes are used.

Artificial Christmas trees can be used for many years, however once their lifespan has come to an end they are not re-cyclable and they end up in a landfill site.

As the UK becomes more environmentally friendly people are becoming more aware that a great way of countering the effects of global warming is to plant trees. Real Christmas trees help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and generate more oxygen. An acre of real Christmas trees provides enough oxygen per day for approximately 18 people.

Live Christmas trees are grown as a crop and replenished after they have been harvested. Christmas trees are felled after about ten year's growth and at least each one is replaced. Another environmental benefit is that the Christmas tree forest provides a haven for natural wildlife and the forests look good and many can be enjoyed for keen walkers on the hillside. The forests are often on hillsides where other crops can't be grown, thus saving more fertile land for other crops. Many Christmas tree plantations are also organic, i.e. grown without pesticides and the majority are grown in the UK lessening the carbon footprint

The environmental lobby see the use of natural Christmas trees as a 'double whammy' as they not only contribute positively to the environment, but also offer an alternative to non-recyclable toxic artificial trees