Although an artificial tree may automatically seem like the most ecological solution for the holiday season, the reality is more subtle. In fact, it is preferable instead to choose a natural tree Source: Environment Canada

Annual Meetings  |   Phytosanitary Movement Certificates  |   Lungs of the Earth  |   Quebec Network
Chemicals  |   Minor Use  |   Invasive Species  |   Colorants  |   Reference Articles

Bringing a coniferous Christmas tree into the home has been a tradition celebrated in Northern countries around the globe for over 400 years

Demonstrating pheromone traps used around plantations to detect the presence of certain types of insects in the proximity of a plantation

Annual Meetings Annual meeting and field days are where growers keep up with our growing industry • Growers learn and receive refresher training on new techniques and current best growing practices These meetings and field days allow for provincial biologists and growers to meet on a regular basis. At these events: • growers learn what to watch out for in their plantations (i.e. early warning signs of insects and diseases); • new knowledge is disseminated, leading to better sustainable practices; • proper application techniques are demonstrated

Buying a Real Christmas tree does not deplete the forest.
It is like buying food or fibre products and in the case of Christmas trees, the product is completely recyclable

Phytosanitary Movement Certificates Phytosanitary certificates, either on paper or increasingly in an electronic format, are official documents issued by the plant protection organization of an exporting country, certifying that the plants or plant products mentioned in a certificate have been inspected according to established procedures, conforming to the current phytosanitary requirements of the importing country • Christmas tree plantations and distribution yards that ship Christmas trees through regulated areas are visited by qualified Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspectors in the fall and prior to any shipment of Christmas trees to, from or through regulated areas throughout the world

Trees are the lungs of the Earth Christmas trees sequester carbon and produce oxygen • In Canada, over 37 600 hectares (82 700 acres) were dedicated to Christmas tree production in 2001

The Bio-mass of recycled and reused Christmas trees allows us to continue to benefit and profit from the Sun's accumulated energy

Some damage is easily pruned

In Quebec the provincial agriculture ministry MAPAQ "Ministère d'Agriculture, Pêcheries et Alimentation Québec" has a Phytosanitary Information Update Network (Réseau d'avertissement phytosanitaire) • A provincial biologist hosts a conference call every week with representatives from each of the 11 growing zones in the province during the critical period between early May and the end of June. Each representative gives an update on surging populations and infestations occurring in their area. This information is then transmitted, usually by email, within 24 hours to all growers and interested parties throughout the province

MAPAQ sends warnings as to which pests and other conditions could affect Christmas tree plantations, such as unusually high snow fall • Growers are told what to look for and see if the size of the population warrants any interventions

When a county within the province of Quebec is deemed to be under risk, the entire county is treated simultaneously • When possible, a natural predator or alternate food source may be introduced to a plantation and the entire county to control a pest • Should other techniques prove to be insufficient; growers will use chemicals, but only as a last resort • All products that are used are approved for use on Christmas trees by Health Canada's Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency

The majestic beauty and natural bouquet of a real Christmas tree fills our senses and our homes. This significant tree, with its sense-tingling qualities, is brought in only once a year and helps us endure the rigours of winter

Frequent and regular scouting of plantations enables growers to detect signs and symptoms of pests before damages of an economic scale occur • An early treatment of limited size with alternative fertilizers, natural predators or chemical products may prevent a significant financial loss that could otherwise devastate a small business

Chemicals Like drugs for people and pets, herbicides and pesticides aim to cure a specific problem • Chemicals are expensive to purchase and apply • There are many costs linked to applying chemicals to trees in a plantation: fuel and labour as well as administration and management   • All chemicals used on Canadian Christmas trees have been approved for use by Health Canada's "Pest Management Regulatory Agency" (PMRA)

A recycled Christmas tree allows your community to continue benefiting
from the Sun's energy in that is stored in the tree

Minor Use The CCTGA is an active participant at Health Canada's PMRA conference for the use of pesticides on minor crops, also known as "Minor Use" • This program allows minor growing crops, such as Christmas trees, to obtain research funding towards certification of herbicides and pesticides on Christmas trees in Canada • "Pest Management Regulatory Agency" (PMRA's website) Since 2003, the CCTGA has actively participated at the annual event in Ottawa where all minor growing crop producers have the opportunity to present promising solutions to be tested for use • The CCTGA would like to thank PMRA for the opportunity for our industry to interact with government in such a direct and effective fashion

The Christmas tree industry creates thousands of jobs in Canada’s rural regions and brings a beautiful product to market that is an integral part of our heritage

Invasive Species Invasive species are plants, animals and micro-organisms that spread outside their natural areas causing serious and, at times, irreversible damage to Canada’s native ecosystems, economy and society • For this reason, Christmas tree growers keep a vigilant eye out for new species that are found in their plantation • Should a grower find invasive species in his/her plantation or tree lot, help is available from provincial specialists • The following report by Canada's food Inspection Agency highlights the invasive species affecting Canada's forests

Some trees are sprayed with a colorant Making them much more attractive on retail lots

Colorants As opposed to most greenery businesses, Christmas trees are harvested in a dormant state, unlike blooming flowers • In the fall, depending on the species, trees will sometimes change colour to conserve energy • To enhance the natural colour of the trees, growers will at times use a colorant • All colorants used are approved by Health Canada's PMRA

Get real. That's the answer to whether to buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one, according to research done by the David Suzuki Foundation

To tree or not to tree

Environment Canada's Biosphere: Environment Museum

Biosphere, Environment Museum

Clean Nova Scotia, a non profit organization to improve the environment

The Annual Christmas Tree Debate

Environment Canada asked their specialists to consider the issue of Real vs. Artificial Christmas trees

Should I buy a real Christmas tree or an artificial one?

Dr. Patrick Moore; Co-founder and former president of Greenpeace, PhD in ecology, BSc in forest biology

Real or Artificial Christmas Trees?

Read about PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride, used to make artificial needles and other parts of artificial trees

PVC article at Wikipedia

Dangers of PVC Center for Health, Environment and Justice, NYC

The US National Christmas Tree Association has weighed the environmental sides to both real and artificial trees

Making An Eco-Friendly Choice: The Environmental Debate Settled

The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario have explored this subject as well

Why should I choose a REAL Christmas tree?

The Smithsonian Museum, Making your holiday tree Eco Friendly

Dreaming of a Green Christmas

According to Newsweek Magazine: It's time to start planning for an eco-friendly holiday. Turn down the lights, and use a real tree

How to Have a Green Christmas

Noël Vert: French Article outlining positive effects of Christmas tree operations

Sapin naturel ou Sapin artificiel ?

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© Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association