In light of the most recent festival of trees and the looming Christmas
season, I thought it most appropriate today to discuss the Christmas tree. As a forester I find it discouraging that
arguments against this tradition are most often fed with a great deal of
misinformation.
It goes without saying that cutting a tree results in negative
consequence to our earth, but let me put forward an argument that just may lead
you to dawn the axe this Christmas season.
Most people are not aware that the majority of Christmas trees are
harvested from Christmas tree farms.
They are grown for one purpose, and one purpose only. Young trees are NOT harvested from forested
land base similar to that of the current timber industry. In the absence of a Christmas tree demand,
this land in the majority of circumstances would be utilized for other
commercial crops.
For seven plus years then, we have a crop of juvenile trees that are
cleaning the air, stabilizing soil, and sequestering carbon from the
atmosphere. A crop that in the absence
of the Christmas tree tradition, would never have existed. Trees are recycled
in organic fashion through chipping and mulching and utilized for mulch and
pathways.
When our family brings a real tree into our home, it becomes the center
of attention. It brings a peace and
relaxation during a season that has all but forgot that. It reminds us of the
importance of our forests, the bond we share with nature and our responsibility
to protect it.
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