GMG's Friday Find: Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree This Year

It seems everyone has some kind of Christmas Tree tradition, even if it's unpacking an artificial tree to decorate and then spraying the room with pine scent.

If part of your tradition is hunting down that perfect live tree, you may suffer from 'tree confusion', a common ailment that afflicts many, no matter the years you've been hunting.

Here is a guide from The Davey Tree Expert Company to help you choose the perfect tree this year that will satisfy everyone and bring lasting memories from decorating to enjoying through the holiday.

TREEcycle your Christmas Trees

Are you wondering what to do with the beautiful tree that brought you so much joy this holiday season?

The answer is simple- treecycle it! Treecycling is the simple act of re-purposing your Christmas tree instead of throwing it away.  (And, before all the needles fall into oblivion on your living room rug!)

Why buy REAL?
There is an ongoing debate as to which is better for the environment, real or fake. And instead of discussing, I propose these facts from Earth 911 for you to make your own judgement: 

• There are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year.
• 85% of artificial trees are manufactured in China.
• For every real Christmas tree harvested, up to three seedlings are planted in its place the following Spring.
• There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees. Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
• It can take 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 ft), but the average growing time is 7 years.
• The top Christmas tree production states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.

Why Recycle?
Recycled trees are most commonly used for mulch, erosion protection, habitat creation and shoreline stabilization. However, the possibilities don’t end there. Every year communities across the country are finding new ways to use treecycling, from energy production to wildlife habitats.  Check out Seasonal Wisdom's multitude of creative ways to recycle your tree!

More and more communities are offering seasonal treecycling programs, and it has never been easier to participate.  Check out Earth911’s Treecycle Program recycling options that range from curbside pickup to consumer drop-off and DYI projects. We can't think of a better way to start your year!

Oh Christmas Tree...are you for real?

So I am enjoying the typical signs of Christmas everywhere...stores are decorated to the extremes, the 24/7 Christmas music on the radio and the many Christmas tree lots popping up on the side of almost every road. I drive past many of them in my travels and every time I see one I think about my tree...the tree I grew up with. Now don't judge me...yes, my artificial tree.

My parents bought it when I was about 5. After they discovered that my brother and I had allergies...severe ones to anything that grew in nature...which meant we would never have a real tree in our home to celebrate the holidays. So they went shopping for the next best thing...a tree that would bring us an allergy-attack free holiday.

This is that tree. Yes, I still have it 35 years later.

I know you think this story can't get any better but the tree actually REVOLVES and PLAYS MUSIC...to the tune of Silent Night. (Nope, it's not for sale!)

When I was younger I thought all Christmas trees turned. I couldn't understand why my friends didn't decorate the whole tree...the back part facing the wall was always bare. Now I love the fact that I have more room for more ornaments! Lots more keepsakes to accumulate!

It is unique to say the least. All my holiday guests are shocked when they see that it turns! It always becomes the most videotaped item at the party...always with the comment "My friends are not going to believe your tree turns!" And then I get the inevitable question "how do the wires from the lights not get tangled?" It's a secret...only Santa knows.

Well, the tree has 'lived' to participate in yet another Christmas and I feel many memories of love and family when it turns on for the first time every season.

Are you going for a real tree this year or do you belong to the artificial tree family?

-Karen
GMG

Think Live Plants for the Holidays

It's hard to believe that the holidays will be here before you know it! Nothing gets me more in the holiday spirit than buying live holiday plants for my house and as hostess gifts. They are not only affordable, but they add that touch of instant style to my decor.

One of my favorites for the holidays is the Norfolk Island pine. These fully-decorated miniature evergreens from the South Pacific look great in holiday containers on a mantle, as a centerpiece in the middle of your dining table or in your kid's room. After the holidays, you just remove all the decorations and enjoy them year round.  If you live in Zones 10-11 you can plant outdoors during the warmer months. 

Another must-have plant for the holidays is the Poinsettia, which comes in an array of beautiful colors and sizes.  Displayed alone or in groups, they add a festive splash of color to every decor. They are so versatile that you never have to worry if the recipient already has one. Try them as a centerpiece on a holiday table or if you're in a warmer climate plant in your landscape or around your mailbox. These beauties can brighten any room and really make the perfect holiday gift for friends and family. 

I know I'll be spreading some holiday cheer with live plants this season! Will you?

-Stacey

GMG

Stacy's Paper Trees

I'm lifting this right from Ellen Well's Green Profit Weekly Buzz. thought it was too cute not to post. Here it is . . .


Speaking of the holidays and crafting, our Euro trendspotter Stacy Sirk is spot on this week. This time around, she’s not just spotting the trends—she’s creating them herself!


Try your hand at “potted” paper trees for the holidays or any day, depending on what paper is used. “So easy to create,” says Stacy, “any size, any color. Use recycled paper, or do it in brown craft, white paper, green, or a complete mix. Can be made full size or smaller. Brilliant!”

Here’s the how-to:
• Secure a stick/dowel/broom handle in an appropriate pot (or decorative gift bag) with cement or plaster of Paris. For small trees up to 3 ft. fill the pot with aggregate to secure the stake for easier disassembly

• Fold the edges in on a length of paper, then fold in half, giving it a puffy look of a bough

• Tie or wire the paper along the “trunk” starting from the bottom
• When you get to the top, form a pointy or lilting tree top and attach, bending to shape.

Stacy, who’s creating a 6-ft. paper tree, suggests using old stocks of branded paper, craft paper or holiday wrapping—even cellophane or bubble wrap!

Garden centers can make them for display or for sale. You can make them just for fun! Send us pictures if you do.

Suzi, Garden Media Group