The Life Cycle & Environmental Impact of Christmas Trees
In terms of sustainability and life cycle, natural (“real”) trees are the clear winner. There is a common misconception that Christmas tree harvesting is detrimental to the environment, which might encourage some folks to opt for a plastic tree which they can reuse year after year. It’s true that the environmental impact of tree farming is complicated–it depends on factors like transportation methods and distance, how trees are watered, and what types of fertilizers or chemicals are used to grow them (Hubbard, 2022)–but according to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), “Real Christmas Trees are a renewable, recyclable, natural product grown on farms throughout North America” (NCTA, 2022). The association emphasizes that trees are not cut down from the forest, but in fact “grown as crops, just like corn or wheat, and raised on a farm. Once they are harvested, new seedlings are planted to replace [them], whereas fake Christmas trees “are a non-renewable, non-biodegradable, plastic and metal product most often made in overseas factories” (NCTA, 2022). 

When considering all aspects of their life cycle, many experts believe that artificial Christmas trees actually have a greater negative impact on the environment (Brown, 2017). For example, “In the U.S., around 10 million artificial trees are purchased each season. Nearly 90 percent of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources” (The Nature Conservancy, 2019). According to Lienna Hoeg, a Christmas tree specialist in Nova Scotia, “Not many people are aware that for every one acre of Christmas trees, daily oxygen can be produced for 18 people. If you use or purchase an artificial tree, you’d have to use that tree for 20 years for it to have the same environmental impact as one natural Christmas tree” (Hubbard, 2022). Moreover, most artificial trees are manufactured from metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), petroleum-derived plastic which often contains phthalates harmful to human health (Wang, 2020). On average, an artificial tree will last 5-7 years, meaning it will eventually need to be replaced. With limited reuse options, artificial trees are often landfilled, where, due to their non-biodegradable, non-recyclable PVC material, they will remain for centuries after disposal (Brown, 2017).

Accessibility of Christmas Trees
While it might be the more sustainable option, purchasing a real Christmas tree is not always the most accessible for those wishing to deck the halls. Location, urban density, space limitations, storage concerns, tree maintenance and disposal, and rising costs are just a few of many considerations that go into the purchase decision of a real or artificial tree. For example, for older people or those without the capacity to carry and install a real tree, an artificial tree may simplify their holiday setup. Likewise, artificial trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as pre-lit selections, which again offers convenience and flexibility for some consumers. Furthermore, artificial trees offer an alternative solution for consumers who live far from Christmas tree farms or do not have the means to transport a real tree back home with them. As far as access to real Christmas trees, in addition to local parking-lot tree sales, trees at home-improvement and big box stores, and tree farms themselves, there are numerous companies across the country who offer tree delivery services for an additional price.

The New Wave of Christmas Trees
If you really want to step up your sustainable game for the holiday season, check out a potted tannenbaum. Multiple companies around the U.S. are renting out real Christmas trees, a trend which is growing in popularity. Here’s how it works: consumers can order trees online (where they may browse different species, heights, and prices), the company delivers the potted trees to homes or businesses, and the consumer simply cares for the tree according to the instructions of the rental company. Often, there is a timeline for rental (e.g., 30 days), after which the potted trees are picked up or returned back to the company’s nursery to continue growing until the next holiday season (Hubbard, 2022; Shea, 2021). Cost wise, Christmas trees range in price but are generally comparable to a cut real tree, though without the wasteful disposal at the end of the season. Instead, potted trees offer a sustainable life cycle of growth, rental, return, repeat, and “after about seven years, when the trees are too large for rental, they are planted in the ground” (Platt, 2019). The feel-good factor consumers receive from nurturing a live tree, which will ultimately help to reforest and beautify our lands, is a considerable perk for those looking to make their holiday a little more sustainable!