 Is
it bad for the environment to cut down a real Christmas tree?
Absolutely not! Today 98% of all Christmas
trees are grown on Christmas tree farms. That means they're grown
like a farm crop, so the ones that get harvested this year are
replaced by new seedlings next spring. Christmas tree farms also
provide oxygen and clean the air. One acre of Christmas trees
provides enough oxygen for 18 people!
What are the advantages of a real tree over artificial?
Bringing a real Christmas tree into
the home is a tradition that goes back centuries. The tree's pleasant
aroma gives an instant reminder that Christmas is in the air.
Also, unlike artificial trees which are mostly manufactured overseas,
U.S. Christmas tree farms provide jobs for over 100,000 people
employed full or part time in the industry. Most importantly,
a real tree is a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees
on the other hand, average a lifespan of only 6 years, then are
tossed in a landfill where they lie in a composed state for centuries.
How long will a tree keep its needles?
This depends on many factors, such
as tree variety, weather conditions, and cutting date, but on
average a well-watered tree usually holds its needles for 3-4
weeks. Fraser Fir and Norway Pine tend to hold their needles the
longest, up to 5 weeks, while Scotch, White Pine and Balsam average
3-4 weeks, Spruce 2 weeks. For extended freshness, place a humidifier
next to the tree.
Aren't real Christmas trees a fire-hazard?
No. In fact, research from the National Fire Protection Association
shows that real Christmas trees are involved in less than one-tenth
of one percent (0.1%) of all residential fires. Furthermore, of
all the Christmas trees that were sold in 1998, only one one-thousandth
of a percent (0.001%) were involved in a residential fire. You
can minimize the risk of fire by using proper care (regular watering)
and proper placement (away from heat sources). And as with any
Christmas tree, be sure to turn off your tree lights at night
or when you are away from home.
Does it matter which kind of stand I use?
Yes. You should choose a stand that will hold at least 2 gallons
of water. Trees are very thirsty and can drink up to 6 quarts
of water per day. The most important thing to remember is to never
let the tree stand run out of water. Once this happens, the tree
will form a sap seal over the base of the trunk, preventing it
from drawing any more water. At that point, your only recourse
is to take the tree out of its stand and make another fresh 1/4"
cut across the base of the tree. For an excellent stand that's
easy to use and quick to set-up, we recommend the Superior
Stand. It was invented by tree growers and is on sale at all
our locations.
How should I dispose of my tree after Christmas?
Fifty-nine percent of the real Christmas
trees harvested each year are recycled in curbside recycling programs.
The communities then use the chippings for mulch, hiking trails,
playground areas, animal stalls or landscaping. Whatever the disposal
method, real trees are 100% biodegradable, and all are ultimately
recycled back into nature.
How long does it take to grow a Christmas Tree?
Depending on the variety, it can take
anywhere from 7 to 12 years for a tree to grow to 6 feet. However,
the average growing time is 8-9 years.
Why do some of the trees in the field look yellow? Are they dead?
No, the trees that look yellow are
just as healthy as the ones that are dark green. The difference
is that pines naturally lose their dark green color in the winter
when the days become shorter and the tree produces less chlorophyll.
For that reason, Scotch, Norway, and White Pines are sprayed with
a dark green colorant during the summer to preserve their "evergreen"
color for Christmas. Other varieties, like firs and spruce retain
their dark evergreen color all year round.
How many real Christmas Trees are
sold every year?
33 million!
Do you have a Real Tree FAQ? E-mail
it to us at info@cutyourown.com
For more F.A.Q.'s about real Christmas
Trees, visit the National
Christmas Tree Association's web site.
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