Christmas trees: are they really sustainable?

Picking up the Christmas tree is a ritual of the season. It may not quite be a case of King Wenceslas trekking into the snowy woods, boots crunching on frozen ground to the distant strains of carols, but there is still a fizz of excitement about the trip to the garden centre, market or farm.

The millions of Christmas trees now sold in the UK spark an annual debate about sustainability. Surely trees should not be cut down, argues the green conscience. Surely trees are a carbon sink, an important part of the landscape and a valuable habitat for wildlife? So, in this season of consumption, what are the best Christmas tree options?

The Telegraph: Christmas trees: are they really sustainable?

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  • I went artificial three years ago, the prices of real trees was going astronomical as the local xmas tree farm said there was a shortage and he had to buy more in from external source. I read that the average size christmas tree takes 10-15 yrs to grow from a 3yr old sapling so I can't imagine its sustainable.

  • Christmas trees are a crop, planted to be cut down and put more in than taken out, so yes IMO they are sustainable.  I supply 4 trees to one of my clients, including a 14' 'biggie' for a vaulted ceiling reception area at an eye-watering £220 and now it is decorated - what a tree!!

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