Rising Demand and Impact of Christmas Trees

With the conclusion of Thanksgiving, the tradition of decorating with fresh-cut Christmas trees is underway, with popular varieties like Douglas fir, Fraser, and balsam fir offering both aesthetic appeal and pleasant scents. In Canada, the demand for real Christmas trees has sharply increased since the pandemic, leading to supply challenges due to environmental factors and a declining number of tree farms. Despite their popularity, the environmental impact of Christmas tree farming, such as pesticide use and water consumption, is a growing concern, calling for more sustainable practices like using potted trees. In the UK, millions of trees are cut annually for Christmas, highlighting both the cultural significance and the ecological costs. Amidst these practices, some have suggested creative solutions to reduce waste, such as repurposing trees after the festive season.