When a tree is cut, over half its weight is water.
For every tree cut, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.
North American Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. 80% of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the US Commerce Dept.
Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins, such as lead.
There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas trees in the US, and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6-7 feet) or as little as 4 years; the average growing time is 7 years.
The top tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.
9 comments:
Interesting facts. I am trying to only buy what's made in America so I would definitely go for the home grown trees !
Another great idea!!!
I love how a real tree makes the house smell. That's a gorgeous one pictured.
Sadly, the artificial trees may be better on the environment over its life span (although, nearly everything is considered throw-away these days). Anyone have any idea how much carbon is released into the atmosphere by the decaying of an average christmas tree? The whole christmas tree industry (natural and artifical) is a waste!
I recycle mine nowadays so that can't be bad:)
25-30 million real Christmas trees is a staggering number. I plan on staying home this year so may well skip the decorations.
We insisted on a real tree for many years -- love the pine aromas that permeate the house. Then, we reluctantly changed to a large artificial tree. Since my husband's death I've displayed a smaller artificial tree when my family is here for the holidays. Other years, I have a much smaller decorated tree I can easily set up and put away until next time.
Another interesting tidbit, I've lived in 3 of the 6 top Christmas tree producing states! We now have an artificial tree (last year was the first) due to my daughter's allergies and it was nice to have a Christmas she wasn't sick.
A real tree is good for your soul, and provides for many others along it's way. Plus the smell, a little scent of heaven.
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