Gardener: 'Tis the season for the greenest Christmas tree of all

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Over the last several years I've researched a lot about various aspects of living a more eco-friendly life. But when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree, everything I thought I was doing right for the environment by using an artificial tree went out the window. And it looks like the message is getting out.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, Americans purchased about 33 percent fewer fake trees in 2008 than in the previous year. Rick Dungey, public-relations manager for the association, shared a few eye-opening thoughts on the real environmental impact of artificial trees in a recent conversation with me.

-- Artificial trees never biodegrade

One of the most common reasons for buying an artificial tree is its longevity. Although artificial trees can last for years, eventually they are discarded, and remain in a landfill forever more. Fake trees are not biodegradable, so they never break down.

-- Real trees are good for the garden

After the season, real trees can be hauled to the back yard as a mini-habitat, or they can be ground and used as valuable mulch to retain moisture and improve soil conditions. But in all cases, real trees are 100 percent biodegradable.

-- Artificial trees include potentially harmful material

Part of what makes artificial trees so sturdy are the components used in construction. PVC plastics are made from petroleum byproducts, heavy metals are used to stabilize the plastics and the metal branches are mined from the ground. In California, warning labels are even required on artificial trees to alert users of the potential risk of hazardous materials, including lead.

-- Real trees are good for the environment

In 2008, 45 million new Christmas trees were planted in tree farms across America. At any moment, there are approximately half a billion trees growing for future harvest that otherwise would not be there. While growing, they're absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, stabilizing soil and providing habitats for wildlife. As trees are harvested, new trees are planted to take their place. And unlike artificial trees, real trees can often be purchased from local farms.

-- Artificial trees are imported thousands of miles

Buying local and supporting area businesses doesn't apply to artificial trees. Most are made in China, shipped across the Pacific and then travel many more miles to reach their final destination.

-- Other options

It's not just a choice between real versus fake, either. Today, more people are choosing some great non-traditional options as well. Why not consider decorating a tree or plant that you already have? Even if it's artificial, it's a resourceful way to reuse and repurpose. But if you just have to have the real thing but can't bear the thought of cutting down a living tree, you have a guilt-free choice. Buy a living tree and replant it in your yard or donate it to a park or school after the holidays. In the Los Angeles area, for example, there's yet another choice. The Living Christmas Company will deliver and pick up your live, regionally grown tree for a reasonable price that ranges with the size of the tree, from about 3 to 7 feet.

The bottom line to a greener Christmas this season is to think twice before opting for artificial Christmas trees as the more eco-friendly choice, because they're not.

(Joe Lamp'l, host of "GardenSMART" on PBS, is a Master Gardener and author. For more information visit www.joegardener.com. For more stories, visit scrippsnews.com.)

THE GARDENER WITHIN