Newswise — Christmas trees come in many shapes and sizes. Charlie Brown’s tree is scraggly and woebegone – but perennially endearing – while the giant trees that command so much attention on the White House lawn and at Rockefeller Center tower majestically over crowds. Botanist Clint Springer, Ph.D., associate professor of biology at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, says there is room for all kinds of trees to celebrate the holidays, but there are many benefits associated with choosing real Christmas trees. Springer, who studies the effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on the growth and development of plants, says that since trees use photosynthesis for energy, they actually remove or “sequester” carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. “Research has shown that trees slow the rate of greenhouse gas accumulation in our atmosphere,” he says. “Moreover, according to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), one to three seedlings are planted to replace harvested trees, which keeps the carbon sequestration cycle going.”
Christmas trees farms – many of which are family-owned – help local economies, Springer says. “The NCTA has reported that more than 100,000 people are employed by more than15,000 Christmas tree farms. Pennsylvania boasts the third largest number of trees harvested annually in the U.S., with around 1.2 million trees harvested in 2007,” he adds. The benefits of real trees reach beyond winter, according to Springer. “Many municipalities have free Christmas tree recycling programs, and citizens can use the mulched and composted trees from local townships on lawns and gardens,” he says. “This reduces the need for both water and nutrients for lawns and garden plants in the summer.”
Evergreens also offer wildlife a year-round habitat, which supports biodiversity. “Christmas tree farms provide a haven for birds to take cover from predators and harsh weather, and they can feed on insects found on trees,” notes Springer. “The farms also help maintain open, undeveloped space. This type of green space is important because it can serve as a bridge between larger tracts of contiguous forest land for animals, plants and insects.”
But the best reason for choosing a real tree may be more subjective. “Real Christmas trees evoke happy memories,” Springer says. “For many people, a real tree symbolizes time-honored family traditions. My favorite tree is the Canaan Fir, which has the quintessential Christmas tree scent, and is found growing naturally near my boyhood home.”
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