This time of year, many families are planning for Christmas, and one of the most recognizable traditions of this holiday is bringing a Christmas tree home to decorate. Artificial, reusable trees line the market shelves, while real trees are planted every year on tree farms to be harvested for Christmas. Those who celebrate may find themselves wondering which option is more eco-friendly—cutting down a real tree, or buying an artificial tree? The answer, however, is not one-size-fits-all and somewhat depends on the type of impact you’d prefer to have. Let’s dive into this debate!
Do artificial trees take up space in our landfills?
Artificial trees are made to last for about 5 to 10 years, depending on how well they’re stored. Unfortunately, the construction of artificial trees makes them almost impossible to recycle or be composted, meaning they ultimately do get disposed of into our landfills; they’re made with nonrenewable, non-biodegradable products. However, the average family in America uses their artificial tree for 6 to 9 years, which is fairly ideal because the tree requires little energy and transportation during this time. The tree is also unable to affect climate change during these years because no greenhouse gasses are being released following its production. If your family plans on reusing the tree for 5 to 10 years, then the total carbon footprint is actually smaller than if you were to incinerate or compost a real tree every year, seeing as the gasses released during that process would be entering our atmosphere, speeding up the rate of climate change.
Don’t forget—while artificial trees can’t be recycled like cardboard and plastic, they can be ‘recycled’ through donation. If your old artificial tree is in good shape, a local recreation center or nursing home, for example, may be interested in taking the tree off your hands.
Is it harmful to cut down real Christmas trees?
Nope! One of the most widespread misunderstandings about chopping down a real tree is that you’re contributing to deforestation while doing so. This is not the case—Christmas trees are a renewable resource, and are grown and raised as crops on tree farms. This is a sustainable cycle because once harvested, new seedlings are planted in their place. Smart tree farmers typically will grow and cut in a rotation, meaning sections with older trees will be open for harvest while sections with seedlings are given space to thrive. In reality, out of the 350-500 million growing on tree farms in America, only about 30 million trees are harvested for Christmas each year. These trees would never have been planted if they weren’t being harvested!
Does the carbon footprint of artificial tree production matter? What about the footprint from growing real ones?
Your carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. Production, transportation, materials used, etc.—these create the total carbon footprint of a product, which definitely matters if you want to accurately compare how much waste is created by artificial trees versus natural trees.
Artificial trees are manufactured from multiple types of metal and plastic; processing these materials takes a significant amount of power and causes air pollution. Nearly 90% of these trees are shipped from China, which must also be included in the equation. On average, the production of one fake tree creates 88 LBS of carbon dioxide; this is over 10x higher than that of any full-grown, properly-recycled natural tree. As stated above, you would have to keep and reuse your artificial tree for about 10 years to reach a break-even point.
There are multiple positives that occur during the growth process of a natural tree. Tree farms exist throughout the country, many located in Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina. It can take between 7 to 15 years until the tree is able to be harvested, depending on how tall the farmer allows the tree to grow. Trees need lots of water and nutrients to thrive. During this growth period, real trees absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses from the air and emit fresh oxygen, slowing the rate of climate change. Their roots also help hold the soil in place and improve groundwater quality, while the rest of the tree provides refuge for wildlife aboveground. Their presence also actively preserves green spaces from being turned into urban areas, especially considering how many farms exist on land that can’t be used for other crops.
How do real trees protect wildlife and prevent habitat loss?
As stated above, tree farms rotate through stages of growth throughout the property, meaning there is constant change occurring that offers a unique habitat structure for many different species of wildlife. Oftentimes, the biodiversity of animals living in these Christmas tree forests is actually higher than what we’d find in a grassy or dense forest because the varied growth of trees creates varying food sources and habitat options.
Habitat loss is a huge threat to 85% of all species listed on the IUCN’s Red List. By supporting tree farms, you are simultaneously supporting natural habitat protection.
Is there any community impact (i.e. social, economical, etc.)?
Absolutely. When we purchase real trees, we’re supporting local tree farmers, who put their profits right back into the management and preservation of their forests. More than half of U.S. forests are privately owned; both maintained forests and unmanaged forests alike store equal amounts of carbon, making them a sustainable resource to harness toward slowing the rate of climate change.
Health benefits are also relevant. For every tree harvested, farmers typically plant 1 to 3 more seedlings. More trees, and being able to afford care for them, bring cleaner oxygen, cleaner water, and cooler temperatures that prevent dangerous heat waves. Living near green spaces is also linked to having a more positive mindset and pride for one’s community.
Does disposal of artificial and real trees have an impact?
Regardless of the tree you choose, disposal is the most important element to consider if you want to make a more eco-friendly choice. As discussed above, the only real method of disposal for artificial trees is the landfill, once you’ve used the tree for about 10 years. Reusing before landfilling is critical. Alternatively, there may be a local donation center or community organization that would appreciate your old artificial tree when you’re finished with it, if kept in good condition.
Natural trees have a few more options for disposal. They can be incinerated, composted, or landfilled. Many waste management teams also offer a curbside pickup program to recycle your tree with other yard waste. Incineration is the least eco-friendly method of disposal because the tree immediately releases all of the stored carbon, and then these greenhouse gasses reenter the atmosphere. Composting or chipping is notably better for the environment because as the tree slowly decomposes, some of the stored carbon is able to be broken down and absorbed by soil and other plants. Lastly, while landfilling doesn’t allow the tree to release carbon dioxide, our landfills are quickly running out of space, making composting or recycling the most eco-friendly methods.
Read more below on local disposal methods in Prince William County!
After removal of all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, nails and the tree stand, cut trees and greenery may be recycled at several convenient locations listed below.
Curbside Pickup
As a part of the yard waste collection program, pick up of cut Christmas Trees, by trash and recycling collectors, is available on yard waste collection day, the first two full weeks of January.
The Prince William County Landfill, 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas
Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p .m. / The facility is closed Sundays.
The Compost Facility, 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas
Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p .m. / The facility is closed Sundays.
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville (near Rte.29 and I-66 interchange)
December 26 – January 13, 2024
The drop-off area is located in the parking lot in the area outlined with safety cones to the right of the building. For more information contact NOVEC at 703-335-0500 ext. 1600, or VegetationMgmt@novec.com.
Prince William County encourages residents to closely inspect their freshly cut Christmas trees for any sign of the spotted lanternfly. Mulching or composting your Christmas tree will help to prevent the spread of invasive insects. More information on the spotted lanternfly is available at https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html.
