All you need to know about Christmas Trees

Photo by Gardenista

Decorating your Christmas tree is one of the best activities to do. But who wants the hassle of trying to take care of a tree and researching the best tips? Not me! That’s why I’ve compiled the most common questions and answered them for you.

Keep reading for more!

 

Where do Christmas trees come from?

Going all the way back to the 16th century, the decorated Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany! Martin Luther was inspired by the stars twinkling in between the trees and put up one in his living room, and decorated it with candles.

Fast forward to the present day, Christmas trees are grown on farms. The process starts with a seed, then the sapling is usually sold to nurseries, after about four years, sold to farms and the farms will plant them in the ground and wait another four years until they are ready.

 

Are Christmas trees eco-friendly?

To put it simply, it depends.

Yes, if:

• If your tree is bought from a local grower – no need to drive it around the country as you collect it from the site, not mass produced which would require growing more than possibly needed, and would use large amount of energy, creating lots of pollution.
• It is disposed of properly – examples including composting, burning, planting it (if it still has roots) or having it chipped
• It still has roots – you don’t have to buy Christmas trees with roots attached, but if you do, the tree can still be planted after you use it!

Although, you can still buy a fake tree if you keep it for at least 10 years, as the environmental impact will then be equal to a properly disposed real tree

 

Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats and dogs?

It will make your pets ill, but it most likely will not be fatal. The chemicals in sap will cause your pet (and humans!) to have an upset stomach and mouth irritation. Avoid choosing a species that drops its needles as, when ingested, it can puncture or cut your pet’s insides.

 

Which Christmas tree is best?

• Nordmann fir – one of the most popular varieties in the UK, soft dark green needles, holds needles well, very symmetrical, strong branches, very full shape
• Canaan fir – short soft needles, dark on the top and silvery underneath, strong fragrance, holds needles well
• Norway spruce – the traditional Christmas tree, needle retention is poor, strong fragrance, conical shape, long mid-green needles
• White pine – less allergic reactions, soft blue-green needles, good needle retention, weak fragrance, not the best if you have heavy ornaments

 

Which Christmas tree smells best?

• Balsam fir- the most fragrant tree, but they dry out very quickly so you will have to top up their water levels often
• Frazer fir – trees last about 6 weeks with proper care, and are second best in terms of fragrance!
• Douglas fir – their branches are not as strong, so it is a better option if you have light decorations

 

I hope this has answered your questions – if you have any more, feel free to contact me. I will also be writing about how to clean up and dispose of your tree in the future. 

 

----> Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, Nate.