Exploring unique options for the holiday season? Check out our top 6 picks for Christmas tree alternatives!
Sustainable Christmas Tree Options: A Guide
In the spirit of the holiday season, we're exploring some unique and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Christmas trees. Helen Tate, the proprietor of Lime Cross Nursery, a specialist conifer nursery, recommends six unconventional evergreen conifers as alternatives to a traditional Christmas tree. Let's delve into these alternatives and learn about their care.
The Willow Podocarp
With its new, willow-like foliage that starts lime green and becomes darker green with age, the Willow Podocarp (Podocarpus lawrencei) is a striking choice. This tree can grow up to 8m tall, making it a suitable option for both indoor and outdoor use. To top off the pot, English moss can be used for a natural touch.
The Himalayan White Pine
This tree boasts lime-green foliage with sunset-yellow hues and a fine texture. It prefers any fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Its habit is that of a witch's broom, and it can reach up to 8m in height. Hessian can be used to wrap the pot for indoor placement, and it's perfect for around the garden or growing in a pot.
The Bosnian Pine
With its dark green foliage and pyramid habit, the Bosnian pine (Pinus leucodermis) is another excellent choice. It can grow up to 6m tall and enjoys the same soil and sunlight conditions as the Willow Podocarp and Himalayan White Pine. This tree is suitable for a garden border or growing in a pot.
The Spanish Fir
The Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo 'Horstmann') is a slow-growing tree with quirky shaped branches. It prefers any fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Its ultimate height is 60cm, making it an ideal tabletop Christmas tree alternative.
The Alberta Spruce
The Alberta spruce (Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica') is also recommended. It grows into a perfect cone, making it an excellent tabletop Christmas tree alternative. It prefers any fertile, well-drained soil and full sun.
The Japanese Cedar
The Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Compacta') is another affordable and beautiful option. It has gorgeous colors and will look stunning with fairy lights. It prefers any fertile, well-drained soil and full sun, and avoids exposed sites. Its ultimate height is 2.5m.
Pot-Grown Christmas Trees
A pot-grown Christmas tree is a sustainable option as it can be nurtured for its whole life in its pot and can last for many years. After the festive season, a pot-grown tree can be enjoyed outside all year before being brought indoors every Christmas.
The Most Sustainable Christmas Tree Options
Artificial trees reused for many years and living potted trees planted outside after use are among the most sustainable choices. Handmade wooden trees from sustainably harvested wood, such as English oak, provide a durable alternative that avoids cutting live trees annually.
Proper care includes watering for living trees, storage for artificial or wooden trees, and responsible disposal or planting outdoors after use. By making eco-friendly choices this holiday season, we can all contribute to a greener future.
[1] Source: OneGreenPlanet.org [2] Source: TheGuardian.com
- Adorning our homes with the Willow Podocarp, Himalayan White Pine, Bosnian Pine, Spanish Fir, Alberta Spruce, or Japanese Cedar not only enhances the landscape and lifestyle but also provides a sustainable home-and-garden option for Christmas trees.
- After a season of enjoyment, maintaining the sustainability of our Christmas trees can be achieved by nurturing them in pots for their entire life, reusing artificial trees, planting living potted trees outside, or even opting for handmade wooden trees crafted from sustainably harvested wood.
