Keep it real this Christmas

28th November 2023

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Long before Christianity, evergreen trees were celebrated during the winter months and brought into the home to ward off illness, evil spirits and as a symbol of hope that spring would return. The origins of the Christmas tree as we know it began in Germany however when it reached America in the 19th century it was considered a “pagan mockery”!

In 1846, the popular royals, Queen Victoria and her German husband Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Unlike the previous royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable <find out more>

What are the benefits of a real tree?

1. Making memories – Choosing your tree is a fun day out for all the family. There is something magical about selecting your perfectly imperfect tree. Looking at ten different ones before deciding on the first one you spotted.

2. Atmosphere – You can’t beat the appearance and fragrance of a real tree. Whilst many newer artificial trees look quite realistic, there is simply no substitute for the reassuring and warming smell of a real tree. 

3. Environmental – Artificial trees have a carbon footprint and unlike real trees are not biodegradable. Real trees are much better for the environment. They are essential to complex ecosystems that provide refuge for wildlife, protect water supplies and stabilise the soil. A single Christmas tree can absorb up to 1 ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, with one acre providing enough oxygen for 18 people every day. More Christmas trees being grown at any one time means more much-needed clean area being produced from our Christmas tree forests, preventing the earth-warming “greenhouse effect”. Like virtually all growers, we replace every tree we cut with a newly planted sapling each year. In this way, harvesting a Christmas tree is no more damaging to the environment that harvesting an ear of corn.

Are there any drawbacks to a real Christmas tree?

Some people are put off by the tree needles dropping. However, this can be overcome if you follow these simple rules. Avoid bringing the tree into your home before the first weekend in December, make sure you top up the container with water regularly and don’t place the tree too close to fires or radiators.

Contact us for more information

Tel: 0118 934 1757

E-mail: info@thebigplantnursery.com

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