We've had our artificial tree for about 20 years and is still as good as new. It cost about £100 then, so not cheap, but much cheaper than real trees every year and no mess from needle drop. We don't have to drive anywhere to get a tree every year so, over the 20 years, I think we have probably more than compensated for the 'pollution' from production and disposal of the tree when its time comes.
It’s a debate about real trees isn’t it, but as Dove said - it’s a crop really. They are lovely to have, as long as you don’t mind the potential needle drop and potential faff with trimming the stump to fit in a holder.Â
Think everyone who bothers with a tree should try a real one at lest once.
We had a tradition of buying a real one for the last 10 years or so but didn’t bother last year as no gatherings or visitors. I just did a big vase of greenery for the scent and Winter vibe, plus lights and a few Christmassy pieces. Will probably do the same this year.Â
Thanks for all your input I think I will try a real tree this year just for a change. There is a nearby farm which grows them all year so I think that’s the place to look at.Â
A real tree would be problematic for us because of where we stand it. It's in the corner of a room and we bend the lower branches on the lower part of the tree so we can get it further back. With a real tree that would require a lot of branch trimming with the chance of getting it wrong. With artificial we can move the 'bend point' if needed.
It would be nice to have a real Christmas tree Debs. We have had the same artificial one out for many years, the same reason as KT53 posted it has to be pushed back into a corner. You just can’t beat the smell & look of a real tree, I hope you find the one that will be perfect for your home.
It’s a debate about real trees isn’t it, but as Dove said - it’s a crop really.Â
I suppose it depends on where you stand defining 'crop' Personally I would say a crop is something that provides a food or material that essentially makes it worthwhile growing. (taking into account land use, fertiliser, labour, fuel, processing, transport etc). In terms of real Xmas trees what do they provide considering all the resources that are used in growing, cropping, selling & disposal? Nothing. They're purely decorative & completely unneccesary. I know that probably marks me out as a miserable sod but cutting down a tree for no other reason than to hang plastic balls on it for two weeks then chuck it away seems a rather odd thing to do IMO. A lot get recycled but many don't.Â
We were considering the idea of Christmas trees this week. My oldest boy really wanted to have a tree and that's fine but I'm having to move real plants out of the way to make space for it. Originally the idea was to bring greenery inside to make us feel more connected to nature during the dark days of winter but now we have thriving house plants and there's still foxgloves flowering outside the patio doors. Also my crassula is competing for who is the biggest tree this year.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
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That's the type I would like. Unfortunately, 'she who must be obeyed' has very different ideas.
and potential faff with trimming the stump to fit in a holder.Â
Personally I would say a crop is something that provides a food or material that essentially makes it worthwhile growing. (taking into account land use, fertiliser, labour, fuel, processing, transport etc).Â
In terms of real Xmas trees what do they provide considering all the resources that are used in growing, cropping, selling & disposal?Â
Nothing. They're purely decorative & completely unneccesary. I know that probably marks me out as a miserable sod but cutting down a tree for no other reason than to hang plastic balls on it for two weeks then chuck it away seems a rather odd thing to do IMO.
A lot get recycled but many don't.Â