What is the best Christmas tree for the environment?

For many people, a Christmas without trees is unthinkable. But in times of climate crisis, the question arises: Which tree is best for the environment?

artificial tree

Basically, plastic is bad for nature. Because the PVC or polyethylene contained in the artificial Christmas tree is not biodegradable. However, an artificial tree can also be beneficial if used for a long time. According to the calculations of the Ellipsos Institute in Montreal, Canada, it takes at least 16 to 17 years for the ecological balance to coincide with a natural tree.

Most plastic trees come from Asia and cause about 48 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO), according to Canadian scientists.₂). This corresponds to 3.1 kilograms of CO.₂ in the natural tree opposite. British company Carbon Trust comes to a similar conclusion.

Sellers often advertise that artificial fir trees can be established for an average of eight to ten years. That’s why the plastic variant regularly ends up in the garbage before its CO.₂-The footprint is balanced with that of a natural tree. Also, if you don’t want to see that the tree is made of plastic right away, you have to dig deep into your pocket.

real fir

The classic among Christmas trees is and will remain Nordmann fir. It is juicy green and does not pricking. Behind it are blue spruce, red spruce and other species. “The real Christmas tree far outstrips its artificial competitors,” says Denny Ohnesorge, Managing Director of the German Wood Industry Association (HDH). Naturally grown trees are generally climate neutral. During growth, they process the climate-damaging CO.₂ from the atmosphere. However, less CO is released when the tree is used later.₂ released more than previously recorded. After the festival, trees are usually fertilized or used to generate energy.

Only the Christmas tree, which comes from the region and whose wood or sawdust is used as furniture or building material after the festival, is truly climate-friendly. The German Union for Conservation of Nature (Nabu) also recommends that spruce, pine and fir be purchased from dilution measures or from special woodlands such as under high-voltage roads. Because usually these untreated trees would have to be cut down anyway. Unless you plan to use your plastic tree forever, you should use a natural product from the region. Even better with an organic seal.

tree with roots

Could it be more environmentally friendly? Yes, if the tree survives Christmas. The idea of ​​buying a tree with roots instead of a cut Christmas tree sounds nice and sustainable in theory. The problem: Trees that are uprooted and tucked into a pot shortly before Christmas survive the upcoming festival, but not the latter. The situation is different for Christmas trees, which have been grown in a pot from the beginning and transplanted into larger pots several times over the years.

But these trees also suffer, as they naturally hibernate in December. And when they come home warm, they are awakened from hibernation and lose their antifreeze. One exception: the tree and its roots are rented from a regional nursery, garden center or forestry center and brought back there. A 1.75 meter high Nordmann fir costs around 80 to 100 Euros to rent.

Interested parties should also keep in mind that large trees with large roots need to be watered frequently, otherwise dry damage will occur quickly. Also, a 1.5 meter high Christmas tree needs a pot with about 50 kilograms of soil. (dpa)