Natural or Artificial: Which Christmas Tree Option is More Climate-Friendly?
Choosing a Christmas tree that's kind to the planet: an in-depth comparison of natural and artificial options, weighing their environmental impact and the benefits they offer
It's that time of year when people go out in search of the best holiday sales and wrap presents. But what's the best type of tree to put them under?
Some enjoy the smell of a real tree and the excitement of choosing one at a local farm, while others prefer the convenience of artificial trees that can be reused for future Christmases.
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As consumer climate consciousness grows, the impact of holiday tree choices on our warming planet has become increasingly important. Opting for a planet-friendly tree may even land you on Santa's nice list. However, determining which tree - natural or store-bought plastic - has the lowest carbon footprint is a complex matter, according to experts.
Andy Finton, the landscape conservation director and forest ecologist for the Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, emphasized the complexity and nuance of the topic in an interview with CNN.
Before deciding between real and artificial options, we've carefully compiled a list of important considerations.
The case for artificial trees
Christmas trees for sale at a store in Chicago, Illinois, in November 2020.
Christopher Dilts/Bloomber/Getty Images
Using an artificial tree for many years may seem like the more eco-friendly choice, but Finton argues that the carbon cost outweighs that of a natural tree after just six years of use. However, if artificial trees are used for a longer period, the balance shifts, with a 20-year lifespan making the carbon balance equivalent.
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Artificial trees are usually made from polyvinyl chloride plastic, which is petroleum-based and produced in environmentally harmful petrochemical facilities. PVC plastic has been connected to cancer and other public health and environmental dangers. In addition, the transportation of artificial Christmas trees involves fossil fuel-powered ships crossing the Pacific Ocean from China and heavy freight trucks, contributing to environmental pollution.
The American Christmas Tree Association, a nonprofit representing artificial tree manufacturers, hired WAP Sustainability Consulting to conduct a study in 2018. The study concluded that the environmental impact of an artificial tree is more favorable than that of a real tree if the artificial tree is used for at least five years.
Jami Warner, executive director of ACTA, explained to CNN that the study assessed factors such as manufacturing and overseas transportation for artificial trees, and considered planting, fertilizing, and watering for real trees, which have a cultivation period of approximately seven to eight years.
What are the benefits of real trees?
In 2020, the dedicated grounds crew at Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Salem, Oregon, were busy loading freshly-cut and carefully packaged Christmas trees onto trucks. As one of the largest Christmas tree farms globally, Noble Mountain harvests approximately 500,000 trees each season. (Image credit: Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it typically takes seven years for a Christmas tree to reach full growth. As it continues to grow, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Protecting forests and planting trees can aid in mitigating the severe effects of the climate crisis by removing the planet-warming gas from the atmosphere.
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When trees are cut down or burned, carbon is released back into the atmosphere that they've been storing. However, Doug Hundley, spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association, emphasizes that the impact of cutting down Christmas trees is offset by farmers immediately planting more seedlings to replace them.
"We make sure to plant new trees very quickly after harvesting or cutting them," said Hundley.
If the idea of hiking through a forest to find the ideal tree appeals to you, consider purchasing a permit from the US Forest Service, which promotes the cutting of personal trees instead of buying artificial ones. According to Recreation.gov, removing small trees from overcrowded areas can benefit the overall health of the forest.
However, Finton advises against emulating Clark Griswold by chopping down a large tree and taking it home, especially in unauthorized areas. He suggests obtaining a tree from a local farm instead.
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He explained that the advantage of visiting a Christmas tree farm instead of cutting a tree in the forest is that it centralizes the impact of tree removal to one location and places the responsibility on the farmers to replant trees.
There is also an economic advantage to choosing natural trees, as most are grown on local farms. In the US alone, there are approximately 15,000 Christmas tree farms that provide employment to over 100,000 people, either full-time or part-time, in the industry according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Disposal matters
Supporting local economies, communities, and farmers by purchasing a natural Christmas tree is a crucial part of conservation, according to Finton. When tree growers can benefit economically from their land, they are less inclined to sell it for development or convert it to other uses.
Municipal workers grind Christmas trees from the past holiday season in a wood-chipper at a community park in Warminster, PA, in February 2019.
After the holidays, trees are often discarded on curbs, eventually making their way to landfills where they release methane, a greenhouse gas that is approximately 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This contributes to harmful emissions and environmental damage.
Hundley emphasized the importance of avoiding the disposal of real Christmas trees in landfills and suggested the establishment of designated areas for yard waste, including Christmas trees.
A huge pine tree sits in Dixie National Forest. Several families are taking to cutting their own Christmas tree down as compared to picking one up off the lot.
Cc Stgxmas Tree Cutting 1212 01
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However, some towns and cities choose to repurpose the trees for the benefit of the climate and the environment. In New York City, trees left on curbs during a specific timeframe are collected for recycling or composting. The city sanitation department also offers MulchFest, an initiative where residents can bring their trees to be chipped for mulch, which is then utilized to nourish other trees throughout the city.
After the homeowner is done using the tree, it is common in America to have it chipped into mulch, and the stored carbon is placed back in the ground," Hundley added.
Finton also suggests that old Christmas trees can be repurposed for habitat restoration. They can be used to prevent erosion along stream and river banks, and can also support underwater habitats in rivers and lakes.
On the other hand, the disposal of artificial trees is a different story. They often end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, or in incinerators, releasing hazardous chemicals into the environment.
The bottom line
Consider the complex factors surrounding the environment, real Christmas trees are the preferred choice. However, if you decide to decorate with an artificial tree, select one that you will enjoy and can reuse for several years.
Finton emphasized that regardless of the debate, people should feel confident in their decision and seek alternative solutions to address the climate crisis. "Once a decision is made, it's important to feel good about it, as there are numerous other actions that can be taken to have a greater climate impact, such as reducing driving or advocating for policies that support renewable energy," Finton explained. "Enjoy the holidays and concentrate on other areas of life to minimize the effects of climate change."
A version of this story was originally published in November 2021.
