Killer Christmas

It always makes me so sad to see all the cut Christmas tree in front of stores. Knowing that they are dying in vain and for vanity. Real trees are beautiful and I understand why people are attracted to them, I get one every year myself. Only, I get a living tree instead of cut. It has been the tradition every since we've lived at this location. The picture to the right are two of our ex-Christmas trees, though in this picture it was during a flood. The creek is actually supposed to be at the tree line back there. The one on the right is about 4 1/2-5 foot.

WHY get a living tree? The first and obvious reason is it's earth friendly. No trees are killed and you can plant it and contribute those lovely oxygen giving, CO2 absorbing trees in your area. Evergreens provide shelter for birds and animals summer and especially important, winter. Properly placed you can generate some privacy in your yard and even create a wind break during the cold winter months. It always surprises me how much difference that makes.

"What does he who plants a tree?

......He plants cool shade and tender rain.

And seeds and buds of days to be,

......And years that fade and blush again;

He plants the glory of the year

,......He plants the forests' heritage-

The harvest of a coming age;

......The joy that unborn eyes will see-

These things he plants who plants a tree."
Author Farrokh A. Ashtiani

SHEDDING is not a problem when the tree is living like you would find in cut trees. This really helps with any clean up that comes with a cut tree. Cut trees are slowly dying, thus dropping needles at a fast rate. Living trees maintain their needle instead of becoming brittle.

NO PLACE TO PLANT? You can always find someone who would gladly take the tree off your hands. Just ask around and you'll probably get an excited "Yeah, I'll take your tree!" Donations to parks, schools, churches, or even businesses are always appreciated. You can even dedicate the tree to a loved one as a memorial.

I've been trying to find information on how many trees that are cut down each year for decorating but this is proving more difficult than I thought, the only number I have stumbled across is millions. But I did stumble across a web page with some good info on choosing and planting your living tree, Viette's Beautiful Garden. With helpful tips such as remembering to choose a tree that will grow well in your growing zone and digging a hole for the tree ahead of time before the ground freezes, putting the dirt on a tarp and storing it in a location where the dirt will not freeze. This will allow you to go ahead and plant the tree right after Christmas. The tags on trees from places like Lowe's or Home Depot will tell you to wait till Spring before you plant the tree but that is not the case.

There is something great about passing down such ethics on to your children as well. Those are seeds that will grow and continue on after you are gone. My son finds much joy in planting seeds and trees and watching them grow. If he maintains this when he becomes a man I'll feel like I did at least one thing right.