Real or Fake

Sarah Denkler

It is once again the time of year when many of us will put up a real or artificial tree and decorate it with lights and ornaments. For many children this is one of the most fun parts of the holiday season. For many adults two things come to mind; real or fake?

When you ask someone if they have a real or artificial tree the answer is often based on the tradition they grew up with. If you are from a house that always had a real tree then you most likely carry on that tradition. If your house always used the same artificial tree each year then you may be likely to follow that same routine. If you are still trying to decide which way to go then the following information may help.

Real trees are grown on farms, usually within the limits of the U.S. and often locally, if you prefer a field to a parking lot. Many of the trees that are sold on parking lots come from Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington and Canada. According to Dr. Leonard Perry with the University of Vermont, there were an estimated 40 to 50 million trees planted in both 2007 and 2008 in North America. Trees grown on farms are planted in January through May with the majority of trees requiring multiple growing seasons before harvest. The National Christmas tree association estimates that there are 446 million trees growing on farms in the United States for the purpose of holiday decorating.

If you are concerned for the environment then realize that many live trees are recycled through chipping, composting or used in ponds as fish habitat. For every acre of trees planted there is enough oxygen produced for 18 people so tree farms provide enough oxygen for 18 million people a day.

Artificial trees are used an average of 6-9 years before being replaced by another artificial or real tree. More than 80% of trees worldwide are produced in China. Artificial trees are composed of petroleum based, non-biodegradable products such as plastic and PVC.

Some of us worry about the hazard from fire associated with tree décor. According to the National Fire Protection Association, live trees account for less than one-tenth of a percent of all home fires. By keeping real trees fresh, they are difficult to ignite.

If you put up a real tree then you must consider the extra effort that will be involved. Once you get the tree home you will need to prepare a water tight plastic container that is capable of supporting a tree of the size you have obtained. Fill the container with water and then re-cut the bottom of the trunk. Check the water level daily to make sure there is enough for the tree to drink. This will help prevent the tree from drying out. Never place candles near or on a tree even if you have done so in the past. Make sure the lights you place on the tree are not defective or damaged in any way that might cause a short.

Decorating a tree does not have to be such a worry for adults. It can be fun for everyone. Make you selection and sleep easy knowing you have made the holiday more fun for your little ones.

Helpful Publication: Perry, Leonard. Facts about Christmas Trees. University of Vermont Extension. Department of Plant and Soil Science; Helpful Sources: http://www.christmastree.org/home.cfm

Attention Growers - Save the Date:

* Saturday - January 23, 9:00 a.m. Pesticide Applicator Training, Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff, MO

* Friday -- February 5, 8:30 a.m. Watermelon Meeting, American Legion, Kennett, MO

* Thursday -- February 25, 6:00 p.m. Peach Meeting, Harry L. Crisp Education Center, Malden, MO

The Extension office is located in Kennett, Missouri at 101 South Main Street (the old bank) on the 2nd floor. Open Monday -- Friday or you can call 573-888-4722 if you have a question. University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.

Sarah Denkler is a horticulture specialist

with University of Missouri Extension

in Dunklin County.