Planning to put up a Christmas tree this holiday season?
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:29:27 +0000
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece in many homes at this time of year. Many newcomers and families of varied backgrounds and different faiths are choosing to put up Christmas trees, decorations and lights as they get into the spirit of the holiday season. Some prefer buying a real tree and others like the easier option of choosing a plastic tree.
If you are planning to put one up, Forests Ontario, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to re-greening the province, suggests buying a real Christmas tree. They say that while well-meaning people think that buying an artificial Christmas tree is the environmentally responsible choice, the opposite is true as natural trees support the environment and the local economy.
Forests Ontario points out that while plastic trees are made overseas and shipped to Canada, and could one day end up in landfills, natural Christmas trees are locally planted and can eventually be recycled into mulch to help grow new trees. In addition, more than 500 farmers across Ontario produce over a million Christmas trees every year, with every acre of planted trees producing oxygen for 18 people daily. Tree farms are also carbon sinks: they soak up the carbon dioxide emitted by cars, planes and our homes.
Tips for picking and caring for your natural tree
Below are some tips for picking and caring for your natural tree from Rob Keen, CEO of Forests Ontario, a registered professional forester and fan of natural Christmas trees.
• Plan ahead. Measure how much space you have in your home for your tree. Keep the tree away from heat vents and leave space for the tree topper!
• Drop test. Lift the tree a few inches and drop it. Choose the tree that drops the fewest needles. Then gently grab the inside of a branch and pull your hand toward you. You’ll know you’ve found a great tree when the needles do not come loose in your hands.
• Make a cut. When you buy your tree, have a short slice cut off the bottom of the trunk so your tree can take up water. Be sure the cut is straight, so the tree stands level in a sturdy stand filled with water.
• Keep it hydrated. Trees are thirsty. Keep the water topped up in the stand so your tree lasts all holiday season.
• Recycle it. Check local news for tree recycling information. In many places, community groups collect trees for habitat restoration projects or mulching.
If you live in a city and can’t get to a tree farm, many retails stores sell real trees, or you can support groups like the Boy Scouts who do an annual Christmas tree fundraiser.
At the Toronto Christmas Market, Forests Ontario will sell Christmas trees during the first two weekends of December. For each tree purchased, you get one free ticket into the market and Forests Ontario will plant a tree.
Choosing a Christmas tree could become a favourite holiday tradition!