Tree Myths
Misperceptions and Myths about Real Christmas Trees
Many people are confused by common misinformation about real trees and this guide is designed to correct the most common misperceptions.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees cause allergies – FALSE - While it is possible to be allergic to Christmas tree sap or pollen it is extremely rare and is usually limited to a specific type of tree species. Pollen is rarely produced by a Christmas tree in December and pollen from Christmas trees are not a known allergen. However as the Christmas tree spends its life outdoors it could potentially gather other allergens in the form of mould, dust or pollens from other species. The solution to this is to hose the Christmas tree with water and let it dry before bringing indoors to decorate, at Buy a tree we do this for you. There is a greater probability of having an allergic reaction to an artificial Christmas tree that spends most of the year gathering dust and moulds in an attic than to a real tree.
- MYTH - Harmful Pesticides and Chemicals are on real Christmas trees – FALSE - Chemicals are not used in a harmful way and are used very rarely only when they are needed. Christmas tree farmers such as ourselves would not risk the health of themselves and their employees in any way by using anything harmful. There have been studies however that show a potential danger from lead dust from a plastic Christmas tree and in many countries the law now requires artificial trees to carry a warning label.
- MYTH - Using an artificial Christmas tree will save a real Christmas tree – FALSE - This is not true because Christmas trees are grown as a crop and as such are meant to be harvested. They are planted and grown for this specific purpose. Ironically an artificial Christmas tree usually comes in cardboard packaging which does not really save any trees!
- MYTH - Artificial Christmas trees are better as they are reused every year - FALSE - Research has shown that most Christmas trees will only be used for 3 years before being replaced. Artificial Christmas trees are not recyclable and will eventually end up in landfill sites, no matter how long they are used for, where they will stay for centuries as they are not biodegradable, unlike a real Christmas tree.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees are disposed of in landfill sites - FALSE – Christmas trees are a totally natural product and are 100% biodegradable. Buy a tree now have recycling schemes whereby the trees are turned into fertiliser to enrich the soil. This ultimately helps the environment.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees deplete forests - FALSE – Christmas trees come from farms where they are planted and grown. They are not cut down from forests and wild Christmas trees are never harvested. Farmers will plant several seedlings for every Christmas tree cut down.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees are dangerously flammable and often catch fire whereas artificial ones are fireproof - FALSE – A Christmas tree accidentally catching fire is extremely rare and often needs lighter fuel or another form of accelerant. Real trees are actually very difficult to set alight being a moist wood with lots of sap. Faulty tree lights can be a cause of domestic fire. If a tree does catch fire the artificial one usually burns much faster and can produce poisonous, noxious gases. At Buy a tree we recommend Christmas Tree flame retardant for concerned consumers.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees are expensive - FALSE – There are a wide range of Christmas trees available and price will vary according to quality, species of tree, size and where the Christmas tree was harvested. A real tree can actually be very inexpensive or extremely costly depending on what you choose., but at Buy a tree we offer a price match promise. There are Christmas trees for all budgets. Buying a real Christmas tree every year often works out cheaper in the end, than an artificial Christmas tree, when worked out over the average lifespan of an artificial Christmas tree.
- MYTH - Real Christmas trees are difficult to put up, need regular watering and cause a mess - FALSE – This really is relative. Our waterholding Christmas tree stands are very easy to use and can usually be set up in minimal time, often faster and easier than it would take to get an artificial tree down from the attic, out the box and assemble all the parts. Trees do need their water topped up regularly, however this hardly takes any time and is no different than watering plants or caring for flowers in a vase. As for the needles causing a mess, most people vacuum regularly anyway! For that Christmas smell and the extra beauty provided by a natural real tree it really is all worth it. And at Buy a tree we can take all the hassle out with our delivery installation and decoration service, and our removal service.