Today I received my first client inquiry of the 2009 season asking about Christmas tree recycling programs.
Living Greens for Happy Future Generations
Her question reminded me to check in on various programs that allow you to enjoy a living tree and then recycling it by planting it in a restoration area — and yes, with some programs you return the tree and someone else manages the heavy planting work for you. This can be a fantastic option when you consider that traditional Christmas trees like Noble Firs and Douglas Firs mature much too large for smaller residential landscapes.
Some of these tree-cycling programs provide traditional Firs; others have more eclectic tree offerings based on native trees that are needed in local restoration projects. And, some of these programs encourage you to sponsor a memorial tree or bench or other needed park item instead of bringing a tree into your home. These programs help families and friends create living memorial spaces from the get-go. Read on to learn more about tree programs before you hit the tree lots this year:
Original Post from December 3, 2008
Over the years I’ve searched and searched for a service that offers living Christmas tree rentals. Last year I found an advertisement in Conscious Choice Magazine for such a service, but when I looked up the company they didn’t actually exist. What a waste of advertising dollars! This year I continued my search and found some businesses offering this service. So far, I haven’t found a supplier in my area, but in hopes this will help readers outside Seattle here goes:
- Portland, Oregon: Somebody got this idea way before I started looking. The Original Living Christmas Tree Company has been renting holiday trees since 1992. You have the option to rent a tree that they replant after the holidays or purchase the tree to plant yourself.
- Seattle, Washington: Local nursery, Swansons, has teamed up with local Seattle parks to offer living tree rental programs. After the holidays, your tree is planted in a Salmon restoration area. More on their program here.
- San Diego, California: Adopt a Christmas tree offers an array of living trees delivered to your door. Apparently for an extra $45 they’ll dress up as an “adults-only” elf when they deliver the tree. It is unclear if they will take the tree back after the holidays and replant it. They do encourage you to donate to plant the tree after the holidays.
- San Francisco, California: SFenivronment.org had offered trees for just $90 in 2008. As of 2009, this site no longer seems to work. If anyone knows the right link, please add it in the comments below. However, after the holidays they pick up your living tree and replant it for you. Don’t expect traditional conifers here!
In years past I’ve settled for sheared rosemary shrubs, and I’ve purchased cut trees that we mulch after the holidays. I’ve considered purchasing a live conifer to replant myself, but I just don’t have the room in my own garden. Remember, our most popular Christmas trees grow up to be enormous. So, please keep that in mind before you pop it in the ground after the holidays.
And, if you’re really looking for an opportunity to create a living memorial in a local park by planting a tree to visit year after year or install a bench where you might rest and reflect on your lovely surroundings, consider signing up with the Seattle Parks Foundation Living Legacy Holiday Gift Program.
If you’re aware of Seattle-area (or other) holiday tree rental services, please chime in!
Tags: christmas, christmas tree rental, living christmas tree, recycling
Great idea! My family hasn’t had the best luck with living Xmas trees, and as you say you have to have the space for one to get pretty big if it survives. We didn’t do a tree at all until our kid was 3 and started asking why we didn’t have one. So, we caved and I feel guilty every year. I hope at least that putting it in the yard waste at the end of the month means that it gets chipped up and composted!
I don’t know of a live tree rental in Seattle, but we often purchase our tree from the UW Forest Club. They cut the trees down from under powerlines (which would be cut down anyways) and the proceeds go to benefit the club. The sale happens the first weekend in December every year, so unfortunately it already took place this year. But it’s a good thing to keep in mind for next Christmas.
Thanks Willi. That’s great to hear. It seems like this is a great seasonal business opportunity for someone!
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