A Truly Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree

The debate about whether it’s more environmentally friendly to have a live Christmas tree or an artificial one might finally be over thanks to a new option: renting one.

In cities across the United States and Canada including Los Angeles, New York, Portland, and Vancouver, you can rent a living Christmas tree. Unlike cut trees, the rented tree is a living, potted tree that is literally in a pot/container with the roots still intact and that is still growing.

Most companies offer the same service; they will deliver a living tree to you before Christmas and after the holidays, pick up the tree.

The cost of renting a tree is comparable to buying a traditional cut tree, although some companies charge a deposit fee. Some offer free delivery and pick up, while others charge for this.

As far as care and decoration of the tree, this also varies by company but all of them say no tinsel, keep it well watered and don’t place it near a heater or fireplace.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Janet D.

12:19PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Nothing replaces the childhood memories of going to pick a real tree at the tree lot on a snowy evening. The smell of evergreen filling the air, the feel of the soft, fresh needles (the blue spruce) when decorating, having to put water in the stand, sweeping the needles up after Christmas. It was wonderful as a child and I'll never forget those memories. As an adult I realize that saving our natural environment is more important than having a natural tree, and that having a fake tree can be a good substitute, but as others said, it eventually ends up adding to environmental trash. A live tree sounds good but not everyone has room to plant it afterward. I have a 3 foot tall rubber plant and I draped a string of lights on that and it looks beautiful. Light a pine scented candle or use a pine scented oil warmer and voila! Christmas magic that helps protect the natural environment.

send a green star

Joey O.

7:07PM PST on Dec 10, 2011

I found the best Xmas tree I have ever owned at the craft show this year. It is made of a weathered looking cast iron. It consists of two tree shaped plates (one halved) that fit together into a stand. The effect is like a standing metal Xmas card. There are holes for decorations. I had a blast decorating it and it looks great. The 5 foot size was less than $100 and it will last me a lifetime.

Teresa W.

7:23AM PST on Dec 10, 2011

artificial

Michele W.

1:29PM PST on Dec 8, 2011

Thank you

Alina D.

10:34PM PST on Dec 1, 2011

It sounds so strange and impossible for Ukrainians, I hope we'll have such an option some day) Thanks for sharing

Mark R.

8:21AM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

There is an authoritative study about this issue done by the Elipsos company of Montreal. Read the study at http://www.ellipsos.ca/site_files/File/Christmas%20Tree%20LCA%20-%20ellipsos.pdf
There is a new program in Oregon taking shape for the environmental certification of Christmas trees called SERF (Socially & Environmentally Responsible Farms http://www.certifiedchristmastrees.org ). The program is being developed with the cooperation of the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon State University Extension. Find out more about how this program protects the environment and provides certification for consumers to identify Christmas trees grown using sustainable farming practices at http://www.environmentalchristmastrees.com

David B.

8:53AM PST on Jan 7, 2011

I am pulling my hair out trying to figure this out. My wife makes me get one every year. Renting sound fine, but can't find one near me. I can't even believe no company has a artificial tree made from safe recycled materials. Made in the US and free of toxic crap. Is there one. I would pay $400 for this. You would make it back in 5 years or so. My tree this year dried up and every single needle is going to fall off taking it out of the house. I will be finding these til next Christmas. Somebody, anybody start making these. With the amount of plastic that isn't recyclable, they could use that at least. Even # 1 or 2.

Does any know of any???

Alicia N.

5:29PM PST on Dec 30, 2010

Great idea but, in my case, I leave trees alone and where they belong.... in the wild.

Derek M.

1:52AM PST on Dec 25, 2010

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Melissah C.

8:04PM PST on Dec 18, 2010

thanks