As a follow-up to the question that I received about living Christmas trees in Phoenix, for many people purchasing a living tree and then planting it might be too complicated. I have also been asked about the possibility of purchasing a cut tree, taking a cutting and planting it. Well, that makes sense if you want to feel that you have given back to nature by replacing the tree that was cut. I consulted a tree expert on the matter. Here's what Steve Nix, the About.com Guide to Forestry had to say:
"It is usually species specific. Your chances are nearly zero if a tree has already been cut over 24 hours no matter what species it is. Willow and cottonwood (water-loving) species are the best trees to root from cuttings without a hormone (just stick cutting in the ground). Many trees can only root from a cutting if you dip the cut in an auxin (plant hormone). The conifers do not easily respond to this technique."Some people can't buy a living tree and replant it. For others, taking a cutting from a live, cut tree and then getting permission to plant it somewhere (if it isn't in your own yard) might not be an option. Here are some other ways in which you can be 'green' and recycle your tree.
Comments
Artificial Christmas trees are not the enviromentally friendly thing to use-cut trees are far more friendly to our planet.
Fake trees do not break down and fill up our landfills.
Cut trees do break down and are made into mulch.
Artificial trees create alot of pollution in the manufactering process and are made from plastic which is made from oil which is not a renewable resource.
Real trees produce oxygen from CO2 while growing and are a renewable resource and most are grown on farms.
Artificial trees aren’t even close to being the “green” tree to use!
Well, of course, your argument has a great deal of merit. While I admit that I have has artificial trees for my entire life, I have never thrown one way. They usually last for many years and when I am ready for a new one, I donate my old one with ornaments to a local nonprofit that has residents. At least in that small way it can be recycled.
Here is a company that makes artificial trees in the U.S. They appear to be reasonably priced.
http://www.uschristmastree.com/
I believe most of the natural Christmas trees are grow on Christmas tree farms. In the East, at least, some of these farms have saved rural spaces from the onslaught of the suburbs. Others have saved small farmers and orchards. I know of at least one in my overrun Washington, DC suburban country. The trick, however, is to keep the local government taxing authorities away by making sure the land is not taxed as if it is going to be covered over some day with McMansions, parking lots, and strip malls. That can be difficult and takes total local support.