The debate of real versus fake when it comes to Christmas trees is always evolving, but if you want to make less of an impact on the planet, you should know real is the way to go.
Most fake trees, about 85 percent according to the National Christmas Tree Association, are imported from China. Aside from the amount of pollution that country is emitting on its own, the importation is an air-clogging menace. Plus, the plastic on most artificial trees is typically PVC, which can be a potential source of hazardous lead. The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition warns of using artificial trees, especially those made in countries without strict lead restrictions, for that reason. The potential for lead poisoning is great enough that fake trees made in China are required to have a warning label. The manufacturing of these trees can also be harmful because of the byproducts released and China’s lax standards.
Real Christmas trees, on the other hand, benefit the earth while being produced and don’t come with a warning label. Here are some of the benefits a Christmas tree provides before it’s even harvested, according to the National Christmas Tree Association:

Real Christmas trees help filter dust and smog from the air and help stop soil erosion.
• Christmas trees on a farm produce oxygen.
• Real Christmas trees provide a comfortable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
• After the holidays, Christmas trees can be recycled and repurposed as bird feeders/shelters, fuel chips and mulch. Fake trees end up in a landfill.

Real Christmas trees are also grown on farms just like any other crop. To ensure a constant supply, Christmas tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest.
If that doesn’t get you pumped to go out and find a tree, think about all the farms who count on the local community to keep going – and provide our region with open space filled with oxygen-producing giants.
Aside from the real sustainable benefits of going for a real Christmas tree, there’s the fun of it, too! Getting out in the crisp air and looking for that perfect living room guest – even cutting your own down at some farms – can be a rush. Plus, it’s a wonderful family event: sleigh rides, caroling, hot cider and doughnuts, and even Santa Claus himself, can be part of the harvest-your-own experience.

For a list of Christmas tree farms in the state, log on to pickyourownchristmastree.org or nhchristmastrees.com.