How to choose a sustainable Christmas tree in Perthshire

It’s finally December and many of you will be starting to put up your Christmas trees – but is your tree of choice damaging the environment?

Some of you may have started to deck your halls and put up your Christmas trees already – if so, we’re not judging (much).

Others might be wondering how you can choose a sustainable Christmas tree.

Sustainable means meeting our needs without damaging the planet for future generations – AKA, avoiding unnecessary waste and emissions.

But when it comes to Christmas trees, which kind is best for the environment?

“A real Christmas tree is a renewable resource,” according to Willie McIntyre.

Willie is part of the family-run Sholach Farm & Christmas Trees in Perthshire.

He said they make a point of planting more trees than they cut down each year.

“The process of growing a Christmas tree to optimum height takes eight to 10 years,” he said.

“During this time a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide and an acre of trees provides oxygen for 18 people.

“They are fully biodegradable, can be chipped and will decompose and return their nutrients to the ground, becoming climate positive.”

Buying local

Buying local is another way to be environmentally-friendly with your Christmas tree.

Kelly McIntyre is one of the three generations of McIntyres that work at the Sholach farm in Perthshire.

She said that picking your own trees at a farm like hers helps the environment and the local economy.

“It’s about supporting your local economy and the environment by buying local.

“And it offers a more personal experience than hauling out a plastic Christmas tree every year.”

It is also important to take care of your real Christmas tree to make sure it lasts.

If you plan on planting your Christmas tree, Kelly has a reminder for you.

“Everybody thinks the trees grow in a Christmas tree shape, but they need a wee bit of help.”

That’s as simple as “giving it a little prune” to keep the tree shape in check.

Kelly, 48, said that if you plant your Christmas tree in your garden, it can last for years.

“It can keep growing as long as you want it to.

“You just need to look after it so that it is happy.

“Give it a little prune every year then throw some tinsel on it.”

Experts at Zero Waste Scotland say the most sustainable Christmas tree is a real one – if you dispose of it correctly.

It is very important not to dump your Christmas tree.

Natural materials like wood emit methane (a greenhouse gas) when dumped in landfill.

Your local council may offer a service where they will collect your tree for you.

Or, why not plant your real Christmas tree in your back garden?

That way, you can use it again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that… That’s sustainability in a nutshell!