While it is difficult to determine the exact number of Christmas trees that are sold each year, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimate that there were nearly 5 million real Christmas trees sold in 2023. However, another source suggests that between 8 and 10 million real Christmas trees are sold each year in the UK, with around 2 million artificial Christmas trees being bought every year.
Real or fake? That is the question
There is a big question around whether a real Christmas tree is better for the environment or an artificial one. There are several things to consider before making your decision.
Natural trees absorb carbon dioxide while they are growing, while artificial trees create carbon dioxide when they are made. However, it is important to look at how and where your potential Christmas tree is grown. Buying trees that are grown slowly, and without fertiliser, is a better environmental choice than buying an intensively grown tree.
Natural trees can also provide benefits to wildlife. Christmas tree plantations have a more open habitat and plenty of bare ground, allowing animals to have access to food resources. The trees can also provide nesting locations for some birds, which will be protected from people and their dogs by fences.
Many Christmas trees are grown in the UK, particularly in Scotland, which keeps your potential tree’s carbon footprint down. However, some are imported from other countries, such as Norway, so it is best to check the country of origin before buying your tree.
The best type of tree to buy is one that still has its roots intact, so either with a root ball or potted. Potted Christmas trees can, like artificial trees, be reused. This spreads the carbon footprint over multiple years and reduced transport emissions.
Trees grown in pots are more likely to survive. Just be careful where you place them in your home, as high temperatures can kill them quicker. Try keeping natural trees away from radiators and remember to water them.
Many artificial Christmas trees are only used four times before being thrown away. However, artificial Christmas trees need to be used at least ten times before it negates its carbon footprint.
How do we recycle Christmas trees?
There are numerous ways to recycle a real Christmas tree, including kerb-side collection and drop off points. Be sure to check with your Local Authority if you have never had a real Christmas tree before.
If you have a garden, have a think about how you could use your old tree there. The woody trunk and branches can be shredded and used as mulch, reducing the tree’s carbon footprint by up to 80%. You can rent or borrow a shredder so that you do not have to buy and store one yourself.
Pine needles are an excellent mulch for acid-loving plants, such as blueberries. If possible, keep your old tree outside on a patio until the needles fall off. Sweep them up and put them around your acid-loving plants.
You can help wildlife by creating them a refuge out of your old tree. Trim bare twigs and tie them into a bundle or chop the trunk into pieces, then place them under bushes for the local wildlife to use.
If you have bought a potted tree, or a tree that still has its roots intact, you could always keep the tree for another year. Put it outside when not in use and repot if needed. Christmas trees that still have roots can also be replanted, and the tree will continue to absorb carbon dioxide.
The worst thing to do with a Christmas tree is to let it go to the dump. The amount of carbon dioxide produced from trees that end up decomposing in the dump is 16 kg.
Artificial Christmas trees are made of a combination of plastics and materials, so they cannot be recycled. However, trees that are in good condition and are no longer used can be given to charities to be resold and reused.
If you would like to buy an artificial Christmas tree this year and you already have one, take a look at last year’s tree and assess the damage. It is very likely that there is none except for a few plastic pine needles on the floor, which will not be missed. Keep checking your tree every year and you will find that they will last much longer, which will benefit the environment and your bank balance.
What else can we do?
The EU has pledged to plant 3 billion additional trees by 2030; however, Christmas trees grown on plantations are not included because they are too short lived.
If you would like to help us on our mission to plant 1 million trees and replace your tree by planting another one, donate now. You can find out more here.
