Can Christmas Trees Be Sustainable?

The holidays are here! It’s the time of year to dream of a lush Christmas tree, adorned in lights, right your living room. But you don’t have to sacrifice your sustainable lifestyle. We’re here to offer some great options, guilt free!

Real or Fake?

Unless you already own an artificial tree, go with real. Why? Well, because the time the tree spent alive benefitted the planet. Trees do so much for us: they clean the air, capture water, reduce crime and combat climate change. It’s no wonder that we want to bring them inside! What else sets the tone of the holidays like a Christmas tree?

Plus, at the end of the season, they serve a new purpose: mulch! Mulch is a valuable part of landscaping–providing soil with nutrients and acting as a sponge to capture and save water. To learn more about what to do with your Christmas tree post-holiday, click here

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What about pesticides and transportation?

Like other things we buy, it’s best to buy local and organic. Look for tree farms that use low-spray and integrated pest management and/or are members of the Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers. Here are two in Southern California:

Santa’s Treeland

Mission Viejo

(714) 957-1608

Santa & Sons Christmas Trees

Sherman Oaks

(818) 501-8637

Still not convinced? Here’s an idea: Why not select a lovely California native, bring it inside for a week (not too much longer), decorate it, then plant in your garden? How about decking the halls with a Western Redbud or a Sycamore?

Can I rent a tree?

It’s true! Trees can be rented for  The Living Christmas Co. will deliver a tree of your choice to your door then pick it up a few weeks later.

As you can see, there are many wonderful options this time of year to spread holiday cheer in your home. Whether you decide to adopt a living tree or get one from a lot, trees are truly a gift that keeps on giving.

From our family to yours, the TreePeople team wishes you a happy, sustainable holiday!

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Want to give back this holiday season? Dedicate a tree as a symbolic, thoughtful alternative to a traditional Christmas tree. You can order one with us anytime here to show your love for conservation and the environment! (PS: They’re a perfect stocking stuffer!)

 

By Erika Abdelatif

Erika Abdelatif is TreePeople’s Social Media and Digital Content Manager. When she isn't creating a climate-resilient LA via the Facebook, she's probably writing in a coffee shop, infesting the internet with memes, or watching an open mic.