If you haven’t already started decorating your home for Christmas, don’t worry: You still have
time. In fact, if you plan on setting up a natural tree, know that most experts claim real (and
well hydrated) Christmas trees can remain in homes for about three to six weeks — or until the
needles become brittle and begin dropping.
Wisconsin offers an abundance of natural options; balsam fir, white spruce and white pine are
among the most popular types of Christmas trees native to the state, according to the Pleasant
Prairie-based Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association. In fact, an estimated 1.8 million
Christmas trees are harvested in Wisconsin every year.
Balsam fir needles are thinner than other options, but they last a long time and retain their
scent. White spruce trees also have thinner needles with blunt tips and don’t dry out as quickly
as other types of spruce. White pine trees, on the other hand, come with thicker, softer and
more flexible needles, but they usually don’t welcome heavy ornaments.
The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association’s website has more details on the various
types of trees that are plentiful in Wisconsin, along with their characteristics. You also can
download a “Go Green, Get Real!” brochure that offers tips on temperature control, watering,
tree stands, lights and more.
Besides the authenticity and pleasant scent they bring to a home during the holidays, natural
Christmas trees also offer several environmental benefits. According to the National Christmas
Tree Association:
- While they’re growing, Real Christmas Trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and
other gases and emitting fresh oxygen. The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil,
protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often,
Christmas Trees are grown on soil that doesn’t support other crops. - Real Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other agricultural crop. To ensure a
constant supply, Christmas Tree growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they
harvest. On the other hand, artificial trees are a petroleum-based product manufactured
primarily in Chinese factories. The average family uses an artificial tree for only six to nine years
before throwing it away, where it will remain in a landfill for centuries after disposal. - Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for
mulch and other purposes.
Which brings me to three other points:
1. Dispose of Your Tree Properly
Come Dec. 26 (or later), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends chipping
or composting used trees unless you live in a municipality that offers drop-off or curbside
collection. Find a list of licensed composting facilities here. Private service providers also
dispose of used Christmas trees.
2. Consider Donating a Tree
Nonprofit organizations such as The Christmas Tree Project and the Christmas SPIRIT
Foundation/Trees for Troops provide free trees to families in need. Their websites have more
details and donation buttons.
3. Where to Buy
There are plenty of places to find real trees in the Madison area, including:
- Tree City: 5501 Schroeder Road in Madison (trees harvested from the Black River Falls area)
— Open Nov. 26-Dec. 23 - Srb’s Trees: 2720 Egre Road in Sun Prairie (trees grown onsite) — Open beginning Nov. 28
- Northwoods Trees: 2824 Prairie Lakes Drive in Sun Prairie and 4311 Vilas Hope Road in
Cottage Grove — Open beginning Nov. 28 - Christmas Tree Farm: 4610 Rocky Dell Road in Middleton (trees grown onsite) — Open Nov.
28-Dec. 24 - Enchanted Valley Acres: 5047 Enchanted Valley Road in Cross Plains (trees grown onsite) —
Open Nov. 22.-Dec. 22
Happy tree shopping, and stay safe this holiday season!
Photo by Julianna Arjes via Unsplash
