Why We Use Christmas Trees

Written by Burkholder Brothers Landscaping Monday, December 12 2011 15:45

The tradition of the Christmas tree dates back to the 1500's where the first tree was decorated at Riga in Latvia in 1510. By the mid 16th century, German towns began selling Christmas related items at markets and people began purchasing items to take home to hang on their "Christmas tree." The concept of a Christmas tree later spread to England, and eventually made its way to the U.S. through European settlers. Today, Christmas trees can be seen virtually everywhere once the Holiday season is in full gear. Each year, families scramble to find that perfect tree to fill their home with lights, presents, and memories. 

Tree Facts (Courtesy of the National Christmas Tree Association):

• There are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.
• There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers.
• North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
• Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.
• There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States.
• For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.
• There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S.; much of it preserving green space.
• There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
• It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 - 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years.
• The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington. (See a complete list of all 50 states ranked by several variables.)
• The most common Christmas Tree species are: balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.