Each year in the United States, consumers purchase between 25 and 30 million live Christmas trees. Choosing a live tree offers several benefits compared to artificial alternatives. The live Christmas tree industry provides employment for over 100,000 people, both full-time and part-time. Additionally, for every live tree that is cut down, one to three seedlings are planted each spring to ensure sustainability for future seasons. Live trees also fill your home with a pleasant, natural fragrance. Selecting and decorating a live tree is an opportunity to create lasting family memories and traditions. Furthermore, if you choose to cut your own tree, you benefit from fresh air and physical activity.
Despite their many benefits, live Christmas trees can become a fire hazard if not properly maintained. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2016 and 2020, Christmas trees were the cause of approximately 160 home fires each year. Taking the right precautions is essential to keeping your home and family safe during the holidays.
Once the holiday season is over, be sure to dispose of your live tree properly. Many communities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for recycling Christmas trees, where they are turned into mulch or compost. This environmentally friendly option helps reduce landfill waste and gives your tree a new purpose.