To tree or not to tree?

No Christmas without a tree, but can we choose the right one for the planet?

A real tree, preferably organic, from a local sustainable source is a good option, as long as you have a plan to recycle it when the festive season is over.

Some vendors sell living Christmas trees that can be replanted providing they didn’t suffer too much during their stay. Damaged ones will be composted.

Other clever companies rent trees, complete with delivery and setup.

If these options are not available, don’t panic. Most local authorities or garden centers offer collection and recycling facilities, where the poor things are reduced to compost to grow the next generation of trees.

Before abandoning your tree, don’t forget to gather the needles. They make a great fertilizer. Next summer, just pile them up with mulch around azaleas and camelias to acidify the soil. They are also excellent gastropods deterrents. Just throw them around your iris beds. Slimy slugs and snails won’t risk crossing these sticky needles, too dangerous for their poor sensitive foot.

Keep some branches too to stop Bob from damaging young trees or tall plants. Stick them vertically around the base of the tree.

In case your tree dries out during the festivities, plant it in your garden and make nasturtium, cup and saucer vine, sweet peas, queen's wreath and other climbers, twine around it. The result is spectacular.

An artificial tree is a cheaper solution, but you’re faced with the whole plastic issue. You’ll need to keep it for at least ten years to offset the materials, shipping, and carbon.

A nice alternative is to unleash the artist in you and, like Bénédicte, create your own tree with different size reclaimed wooden slats plied up and nailed together. A work of art leaving guests in awe.