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Tree Facts - Did You Know...
- Each year, 25-30 million Americans select and take home an evergreen tree to decorate with ornaments and lights for the holidays.
- Your Christmas tree has been intentionally grown for your enjoyment, and is a renewable source. 98% of the trees sold are grown on farms as a crop. 2% come from natural stands.
- 90% of all trees sold in the U.S. are grown in the U.S. 10% are Canadian grown.
- Christmas trees are often grown on land that is unsuitable for farming. By utilizing these fields, tree farmers help to control soil erosion and provide year-round homes for wildlife.
- Over 100,000 people are employed by the Real Christmas Tree industry in the U.S.
- One acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people. During photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. For every full grown tree that is cut, two to three seedlings are planted in its place. This is even better for the environment because young trees have a greater rate of photosynthesis than older trees they have replaced.
- Artificial tress contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.
Holiday Safety
- Be sure the tree is well-supported in a water-holding stand and is away from fireplaces, radiators, TV sets, and other heat sources. These elements can prematurely dry your tree.
- Christmas trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items:
- newspapers and magazines — 13 times more likely
- boxes or bags — 10 times more likely
- curtains or drapes — 9 times more likely
- overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common cause of holiday fires
- Avoid use of combustible decorations. Check all electric lights and connections. Do not use lights with worn or frayed cords and do not overload electrical circuits. Lights should be off when the house is unattended and when you retire each evening. NEVER use lighted candles.
Tree Maintenance
- Care for the tree as carefully as you care for cut flowers.
- Make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk one inch from the bottom just before putting in the stand. Keep the tree’s stand full of water at all times, checking the water level daily.
- Trees are thirsty! Trees may drink between two pints and a gallon of water per day — so make sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed.
Recycling
- In a national survey, 93% of consumers who used a Real Christmas Tree recycled theirs in some type of community program.
- Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses. These are:
- Chipping (chippings are used for various things
from mulch to hiking trails)
- Beachfront erosion protection
- Lake and river shoreline stabilization
- Fish habitat
- River delta sedimentation management
- Consumers can access local Christmas tree recycling information by typing in their zip code at NCTA’s website, www.realchristmastrees.org, or at the EARTH 911 website, www.cleanup.org, or they can call 1-800-CLEANUP.
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