Christmas Trees: Real or Artificial?

Have you ever wondered which is more environmentally friendly: a real Christmas tree; or an artificial one? It’s an issue often discussed and debated at this time of year and we don’t claim to have the definitive answer, but here are a few thoughts on the issues surrounding the choice of real or artificial tree this Christmas (and a couple of suggestions about where to get your tree this year).

Artificial trees can seem to be a good option because they can last for many years, and avoid the need for a living tree to be cut down. On the other hand, artificial trees require large amounts of energy in the production process, which also results in by-products that can be harmful to the environment. Many artificial trees are also imported to the UK and travel large distances, adding to their use of energy resources. They are also not bio-degradable and when disposed of will add to potential landfill problems.

Providing they come from local managed woodlands, real Christmas trees are a carbon-neutral environmentally friendly renewable resource. However, not all Christmas trees are grown organically, and pesticides and herbicides are most definitely not environmentally-friendly!

You can make your Christmas even more environmentally friendly by buying a living Christmas tree in a pot. These can be re-used for several years and you can even plant your tree in your garden if you have room.

If you’re not saving your Christmas tree for another year, your local council is bound to offer chipping services and you can use the resulting mulch on your garden.

Dorset’s Christmas Tree Rental Company will deliver a live tree right to your front door. You tell them which tree you would like; they deliver it to you, and then come and collect it after Christmas. The idea is to rent the tree for the Christmas period so that the tree can return to its field to help combat carbon dioxide emissions, thus helping the environment.

Bailey Ridge Christmas Trees, near Sherborne, is a small family-run business that offers home grown trees from their sustainable plantation. You can wander among the trees and choose your perfect Christmas tree. For every tree they cut, they plant a further 6 trees in their plantation. They will deliver your tree to your home, and can recycle it after Christmas if you wish.

We are open over Christmas and New Year and are taking bookings for eco-friendly Christmas holiday accommodation in Dorset. We would love to welcome you here for your Christmas or New Year break so please contact us for more information, or to book your accommodation.