Let’s dispense with what is becoming a hoary old myth: real live Christmas trees are not environmentally unfriendly. Expert study has shown that artificial trees inflict a larger footprint on the environment.
However, real Christmas trees do take a little more care if they are to stay fresh over the holiday season and not become fire hazards. Upon arriving home, resist the urge to decorate the tree immediately. First, while still outside, thump the base several times hard on the ground to release trapped debris. Then saw the bottom 5cm off the trunk to expose fresh wood. Plunge the cut end into a bucket of water to which a quarter-cup of bleach has been added and leave overnight. This will kill pathogens left on and in the trunk while refreshing the foliage. Cedar rope, garlands and wreaths can be similarly freshened by immersing in water without any bleach added. Holders for Christmas trees come with a large cup to contain water. Check daily that this remains filled
The choice of tree is something of a personal one, although may be limited by the area you live in. For example, in Britain the favourite species is Norway Spruce,
Picea abies. In eastern North America, native White Spruce,
P. glauca finds more favour. Upscale Colorado Spruce,
P. pungens, and Engelmann Spruce
P. engelmannii, may also be available – at a price. Then there is the misnamed Scots Pine,
Pinus sylvestris, which in the wild may be found from, yes, Scotland but all the way across northern Europe and Asia. Still others celebrants select Balsam Fir,
Abies balsamea, with its softer branches.
Still, concerned environmentalists now have trees growing in pots. The theory goes that after finished with inside, they can be planted out in the garden. Since these are usually White Spruce,
P. glauca that can grow rapidly into large trees, the average urban garden is likely not the best place to install even a single specimen, let alone added to year after year.
The answer here is a permanent indoor tree, a Norfolk Island Pine,
Araucaria heterophylla (syn.
A. excelsa) from the South Pacific island of the same name. Restricted in a large container as it increases in size, it is unlikely to attain its mature height in the wild of 70m. Nor is it likely to shed cones weighting several kilograms on to its proud owners’ craniums. Position in very bright light and allow to become almost dry before watering thoroughly.
Merry Christmas!
