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Home > Home & Garden > Articles > Is it environmentally unfriendly to buy a cut Christmas tree

Is it environmentally unfriendly to buy a cut Christmas tree

01:00 Fri 07th Dec 2001 | Home & Garden

A.� That depends who you listen to. Some environmentalists don't like the mass plantations of firs and spruces as none of the varieties grown for the Christmas market are native to the British Isles. The trees also offer limited wildlife habitat compared to native woodland.

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On the other side of the argument, the growers point out that these fast growing trees are sustainable, with a new crop planted for every year, and that the constant tree cover is good for environment, absorbing carbon dioxide and replacing it with oxygen. When the time comes to get rid of the tree it can be taken to the local council recycling facility and shredded to be spread on municipal beds or resold to the public.

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Q. What about growing your own

A.� If you are very patient you can get seed from catalogues, or take a cutting from your current tree if it is still fresh. Look for a small shoot with a heal of hard wood, dip in rooting powder and pot up in a cold frame or inside in a cool, humid place out of direct sunlight.

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Most of us though will want to get something that will be ready in time for the next festive season. The traditional Christmas tree, the Norwegian Spruce, is a forest dweller, and will eventually get too big for the average garden.

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But there are many other more suitable varieties readily available that can be grown in containers or in the ground. Insist on trees that have been container grown, rather than those simply dug and potted up for the festive season. Some of these will have damaged or inadequate roots and may not survive.

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Most varieties will grow well in any half-decent garden soil or a good, moisture retentive compost.

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Q. Which varieties make the best Christmas trees, cut or home grown

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A. As above, the most common variety we see in garden centres, shops and markets is the Norwegian Spruce. However, it does have a tendency to drop its needles if it's not very fresh and looked after. In recent years other varieties have become increasingly popular because of their different colours, fuller shape and needle retentive qualities.

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The Noble Fir (Abies procera) has an excellent tapering shape with a rich silvery-blueish colour. Its aromatic needles are held deep in cup on the branch meaning they stay on much longer.

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The same applies to the attractive Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana), but this is a compact tree with a deep glossy green colour. For something strikingly different the White Fir Abies concolour may be more difficult to find but has striking grey-blue needles.

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Q. What's the best way to keep the tree fresh once in the house

A.� Before you buy make sure the tree is freshly cut by looking for signs of wilt or yellowing needles.

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If you buy your tree early, before you want to put it up, store it in outside in a bucket of water in a cool place out of direct sunlight. When you do come to moving it inside pick a spot away from direct heat like radiators.

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Chop off the bottom inch or so of the trunk so the tree can absorb water and stand it in a container with water in the bottom, making sure to top this up regularly.

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If you've got a question about your home or garden, click here.

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By Tom Gard

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