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I used to live in the mountains of NC and it was a huge christmas tree growing area. I knew several families who had tree farms. You made some great points. I live in a smallish apartment in Chicago and am always out of town for Christmas, so I don't even have a tree, real or artificial. My family usually has a 7-8 foot NC Fraser Fir. My Grandmother uses local cedars.
We are getting a real tree this year,it should be interesting as we have two new additions to our family-Bassett Hounds.
Also having all my family come visit from Australia,should make for a fun time.
Most of our trees here come from Western North Carolina so we don't get the variety y'all out west have.
If I was going to go fake,it would HAVE to be one of those aluminium trees...
Sorry ... I have no interest in the sap and needles ... the need to water ... the potential for fire ... and the hassle of going out to cut a new tree every year. Plus, I don't care how many reasons someone cites for why I should do it ... I don't want to kill a tree just so it can sit in my house for a few weeks. I'll take a reusable artificial tree anytime.
Sorry ... I have no interest in the sap and needles ... the need to water ... the potential for fire ... and the hassle of going out to cut a new tree every year. Plus, I don't care how many reasons someone cites for why I should do it ... I don't want to kill a tree just so it can sit in my house for a few weeks. I'll take a reusable artificial tree anytime.
Exactly! Also, since the term "carbon footprint" is the buzzword of the day, do you realize that most big tree farm operations harvest by helicopter and then put the trees on semi's and shipped. Here in North Texas we get alot of Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and other trucked in trees. Alot of fuel being burned to get that terrific fir smell and have many of them end up in our landfills. We bought an artificial tree about 7 years ago and have not had to waste money buying an outragiously expensive "two week" investment since.
As an ardent Global Warming supporter, I whole-heartedly support the killing of trees. I don't celebrate Christmas, and I certainly don't want to bring a massive fire-hazard into my home, but I do what I can by cutting down and burning at least one tree every Arbor Day.
As an ardent Global Warming supporter, I whole-heartedly support the killing of trees. I don't celebrate Christmas, and I certainly don't want to bring a massive fire-hazard into my home, but I do what I can by cutting down and burning at least one tree every Arbor Day.
Gross.
The reasons you guys stated (fuel and such) are yet another reason to buy trees as locally as possible like any other produce. If you don't want a live tree, that's cool. If you do, try to pick the ones that aren't grown and shipped irresponsibly. Buy local. Lots of regions grow trees. Go pick and cut your own if you can. It's fun, and a great tradition in my family. Could be in yours, too. Considering they are farmed, they are much closer to corn or cabbage than they are to old growth redwood. I'm sure none of you have compunction about eating spinach.
Exactly! Also, since the term "carbon footprint" is the buzzword of the day, do you realize that most big tree farm operations harvest by helicopter and then put the trees on semi's and shipped. Here in North Texas we get alot of Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and other trucked in trees. Alot of fuel being burned to get that terrific fir smell and have many of them end up in our landfills. We bought an artificial tree about 7 years ago and have not had to waste money buying an outragiously expensive "two week" investment since.
Shipping makes them more expensive also. I was amazed at the difference in price when we moved from Dallas to Portland. Another option is to buy a live tree that can be planted after Christmas.
Last edited by tigerlily; 12-05-2007 at 06:28 PM..
Reason: addition
The only live tree I would consider is one that I could plant outside afterward.
We have a fake tree that we use every year.
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