As I set up my tree this year, I wondered about our Christmas tree traditions. Where did these traditions come from? Does cutting trees every December impact our environment? What’s it like being a Christmas tree farmer?
Whether or not your holiday traditions include a tree, we found some information that you still might find interesting!
While different peoples across the globe have been using various greens for centuries for a host of reasons – as décor, to keep away evil spirits, as symbols, etc. – it is generally said that the first Christmas tree as we now know it was used about 400 years ago in Germany and was introduced to Canada in 1781 in Quebec by a German immigrant, Baron Freiedrich von Riedesel (you can read more about his family’s story here). While Canadian tree traditions have been adopted from many places and customs, they are generally seen in Canada as a symbol of renewed life and a sense of hope.
But what impact do these traditions have on our environment? Is it negative, could it be positive? The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario explain that nearly all real Christmas trees are grown as a crop on tree farms. This means that almost no Christmas trees are cut in the wild, and our forests are not being affected by Christmas tree traditions. This claim is supported by Bert Cregg, an expert from Michigan State University in Christmas tree production and forestry. On these farms, trees are usually only harvested after 10 years and to ensure future harvests, for every tree cut down, about 10 need to be planted. This ensures that about 90% of the farm is always full of trees.
Most of us probably know the benefit of trees of any kind growing anywhere. Trees remove CO2 from the air and create oxygen for us to breathe. They also act as natural air pollution filters. About one acre of a tree farm (or any area densely populated by trees) can remove up to 13 tonnes of airborne pollutants EVERY YEAR. How fantastic is our earth?
Tree farms are also havens for a wide variety of mammal and bird species such as sparrows, chickadees, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, grosbeaks, etc.
What about the disposal of those trees? Well, CTFO explains that most municipalities, London included, collect trees and other greenery décor at the end of the holiday season. We also have various locations (the EnviroDepots) where we can drop them off. The trees are, of course, biodegradable, and will break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil.
Whether you choose a real tree or an artificial one, it’s always interesting to know what’s happening behind the scenes! And most importantly, no matter how you celebrate or what you celebrate, I hope that your traditions help you enjoy the season with as much peace and hope that this time of year can bring.
