by Captured Illusion

Created on: December 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 15, 2009

Our environment is not at stake when we cut down Christmas trees. Today's emphasis on our environment has good points and, well, most recently, it has also become quite annoying!

Large scale deforestation has hot spots that may become problems in the Amazon rain forests, and Congo basins, as well as south America, yet when related to the seasonal cutting of the traditional pine tree, commonly displayed in most homes around the Christmas season, there is nothing closely comparable.

There are tree farms that re-plant at the common rate of two trees replacing every one tree prepared for market. This is the common structure in tree farming; the simplest of math favors the love of natural resources. Sadly enough, total compliance to this rule is not always honored. Consider the scale of plant- versus- cut being less than one for one, even still, the real threat in my opinion, is the "resins counterfeit" tree. These artificial trees are not decomposing in landfills, and are often discarded or left in garages, storage, basements, attics, and many other undesirable locations; and worse yet, are often only used one season.

More and more, there are nurseries that are preparing average size trees with roots complete and sack clothed as living trees. This option seems to make the greatest sense to me. A simple search for local live Christmas trees will lead you to a variety of species, ages, and sizes, with prices ranging from:

$25.00 to $40.00  for WHITE PINE, RED PINE, and SCOTCH PINE varieties, generally being "sheared" in 4-12 feet sizes.

$50 to $80.00 for WHITE SPRUCE, BALSAM FIR (rare due to notable fragrance), FRASIER FIR, CON-COLOR FIR, and DOUGLAS FIR.These trees are generally naturally grown and not sheared, for a completely natural shaped and uniquely beautiful tree.

Most reputable live tree farms will not use pesticides, colorants, or fertilizers,and generally rely on rich earth to grow them.

One  important consideration if deciding upon a living tree, is to plan ahead. The obvious advantages are, that you can donate your tree to be planted again after you have removed the ornamental decor. Due to the growing popularity of live trees, there are deadlines to place orders, often as early as late October. The tree will be safely kept until pickup, but the time the roots remain replant-able is generally close to 30 days without injury to the growth process. The longer you wait the fewer your options, and the greater the price of a tree.

Personally, I am faithful we have a Creator that is completely capable of conservation, and chief of our natural resources. I love the scent of fresh pine, I still call it a Christmas tree, and celebrate each year with this precious symbol of pure love.

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