Environmental Benefits of Real Christmas Trees
For most families, there is no question as to whether they want a Christmas tree in their home. But you might have wondered, "Am I harming the environment by cutting down a tree?"
The truth is, when you support the Christmas tree industry by purchasing live Christmas trees for the holidays, you are contributing to a cycle of life that significantly improves our environment.
Real Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other crop, and these farms employ more than 100,000 Americans. To ensure a constant supply, Christmas Tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. So cutting a tree does not reduce the number of trees working to purify the air. In fact, if more trees are cut and sold, the industry will plant even more trees for tomorrow.
And here's what happens: Every tree absorbs carbon dioxide and other gases, and emits fresh oxygen. It's nature's filtration system. What's more, the Christmas tree farm helps to 
stabilize the soil, protecting the water supplies and providing refuge for wildlife. These beautiful, scenic belts of trees are often grown on soil that doesn't support other crops, making it another win-win for the environment.
About that Artificial Tree
No matter what they do, an artificial tree will never look like, feel like, or smell like a real Christmas tree. Pine sol isn't the same as the aroma of a real tree fresh from the farm! What's more, most artificial trees are a petroleum-based product manufactured primarily in chinese factories. Smokey freighters bring the artificial trees to the U.S.
The average family uses it's artificial tree for only six to nine years before throwing it away—where it will remain in a landfill for centuries after it is discarded.
Don't just take our word for it - see what other experts have to say on the subject...
- In their "Green Myths Debunked" series, Fortune magazine points out the benefits Real Trees have over artificial.
- Smithsonian.com shares ways to make your holidays eco-friendly by using a Real Christmas Tree.
- TreeHugger.com gives tips for selecting a "green" Christmas Tree
- The American Forests organization also supports the growth and use of Real Christmas Trees for many reasons.
- According to an article in Newsweek, experts recommend that you should "always go real."
- Focus Organic.com reminds consumers that choosing a Real Tree is not going to harm forests, making it a wise environmental choice.
This information was taken from the website: http://www.christmastree.org/environment.cfm