Real Christmas Trees Are “Green”
While growing, real trees produce significant amounts of oxygen that is released into the environment, protect soil from erosion and provide refuge for wildlife. Real Christmas trees are the best environmental option for consumers, according to former Greenpeace President Patrick Moore, Ph.D. Pacific Northwest Christmas trees are grown on sustainable farms in the U.S, just like produce, nuts and other crops, so they do not threaten natural forests.Real Christmas trees reduce carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which people, plants and the environment need to survive. Real Christmas trees are renewable, and growers plant one or more trees to replace every tree they harvest. Many times, Christmas trees are grown in soil that won’t support other crops.
Growing Real Christmas Trees
More than 90 percent of the Christmas trees sold in California are grown in the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest is home to more than 1,000 individual Christmas-tree growers and farmers. Acreages range from more than 10,000 acres to four to five acres. The Pacific Northwest is the world’s largest producer of Douglas Fir Christmas trees, and is also known for its Noble and Grand Fir varieties. In fact, the Pacific Northwest is the only region in the world that produces Noble Firs.
While the end product appears only briefly, growing the trees – planting, fertilizing, pruning, shearing, etc. – is a task that takes years before the trees ever reach your home. Freshness is key, so some growers use helicopters to lift fresh-cut trees from the fields. ensures it will remain the focal point of your holiday celebrations throughout the season.
