The latest trend in Christmas Trees is to “go green” and avoid buying a plastic tree. Now, families are flocking to Tree Farms to buy a live tree with the family, a-la Clark Griswold. It’s a great event for the entire family, and, believe it or not, is way better for the environment.
Live Tree vs Plastic: Which Is Better?
Trying to save the environment by getting a plastic tree? Studies actually show that you could be actually hurting the environment with your plastic tree, inadvertently.
A recent independent study, reported in the New York Times, reported that fake trees contain the chemical PVC, which produces carcinogens during both the manufacturing of the tree and the disposal of the tree.
Carbon emissions from the real trees were discovered to be a third of those created by artificial trees. Fake trees fill up landfills, while real trees are (obviously) biodegradable and can be used way after the Christmas lights come down. See the list and the end of this story for what to do with your live tree.
Of course, if you are allergic to pine, which is more common than you think, then of course a fake tree would probably be better for you. Just be sure to store it and use it year after year (10 years of use will balance you out, environment-wise, compared to real trees, experts say) instead of buying a new fake tree every Christmas.
Where To Get A Live Tree In Houston
And, in the 8 – 12 years that your Christmas tree is growing in a tree farm, they are rooted in soil, soak up carbon dioxide, and give homes for birds and small mammals. The life of your Christmas tree was well-lived, giving back to the environment, and will continue to be a positive for the environment after it serves as your holiday centerpiece.
A little late to the Chirstmas Tree game? No worries. There are still places in and around Houston to cut down your very own live Christmas tree if you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned holiday.
A trip to the tree farm can be a fun-filled family activity much more memorable than having a pre-cut tree loaded into your truck at Home Depot. If you really want to go full-on Clark Griswold this Christmas, visit www.texaschristmastrees.com and plug in your zip code to find a tree farm nearby where you can choose and fell your own tree. Here are a few nearby options to consider:
Dewberry Farm
Dewberry Farm in Brookshire offers fresh Christmas trees in a variety of styles, as well as family activities like hayrides, a corn maze, and a place to grab a tasty lunch. Better yet, there is no admission charge. You can cut down your own tree if you desire, but if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the professionals, you can also choose one that’s been cut down already. Dewberry Farm is located at 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, 77423.
Holiday Acres
Holiday Acres in Manvel features many varieties of evergreen trees, as well as handmade wreaths and swags made from greenery.
Kids will love the petting zoo and hay rides, as well as a “Texas sledding” hill where they can slide down a grassy slope. Enjoy a hot cocoa around the campfire after you’ve chosen and cut down your tree. Pre-cut trees are also available. Holiday Acres is found at 9029 Mustang Bayou Road, Manvel 77578.
The Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
The Old Time Christmas Tree Farm is a popular spot for first-time lumberjacks who need a bit of help. Their website, oldtimechristmastree.com, features a guide to successfully cutting down your own tree. Pre-cut trees are available with a greater selection of varieties, but you can choose from pine and cypress to cut down for yourself. A hayride wagon will take you out to select your tree and help you haul it back to the car. You’ll find the farm at 7632 Spring Cypress Road in Spring, 77379.
No matter where you go to find your tree, be sure to come prepared. Measure your living room ceiling in advance and be sure to account for the height of your tree topper when calculating how big a tree you can handle. You’ll probably want a tree at least one foot smaller than your ceiling height to allow for easy installation and decorating.They tend to look much smaller in the great outdoors than in your home, so it’s a good idea to double check that the tree you chose will definitely fit. Bring a tape measure, saw, and a sheet or tarp and rope to make sure you get the tree home safely. Also be prepared at
home with a tree stand made for a live tree so that it doesn’t dry out and become a fire hazard.
Whether you prefer cypress, pine, or fir, you’re sure to make lasting memories and bring the smell of the holidays into your home when you cut down your own tree.
Click here for more information on buying a live tree in Texas.
What To Do With Your Live Tree
Worried about what to do with your live Christmas tree? There are a few options for you:
- Curbside pick-up for recycling – Most areas will collect trees during their regular pickup schedules on the 2 weeks following Christmas. For curbside collection, there are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, They’ll turn it into mulch, which may be free for you to pick up, if you want it!
- Non-profits that pick up – Call for an appointment to have a non-profit in your area pickup your tree. Some boy scout troops are offering a pickup service for a small donation (often $5).
- Drop it off – Take your tree to a drop off recycling center. Home Depot is collecting Christmas trees in many areas, free of charge. Most counties have free drop-off locations throughout the county. Usually, you may take up to two trees to any of the following drop-off locations at no charge.
- Yard waste pickup – Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.