Life of the Christmas Tree

Standing on the edge of Christmas once more, I'd like to take a moment to talk about Christmas trees. If you will, some of the science and story behind them. Whether thou be Hewbrew, Muslim or just a Scrooge, respect is requested in the presence of a Christmas tree.

via E Light Bulbs

Ok, so full Christmas trees request respect.

The History

The earliest Christmas trees date to the 15th Century Germany when the Brotherhood of Blackheads (a bachelor's fraternal organization) would carry their clubhouse tree to the town square for everyone to see. Some of this tradition remains today, when trees like the one annually erected in Rockefeller Center in New York City are transported and decorated by joyous crowds. In what I imagine was probably the most awesome part of 15th Century Christmases (considering the general misery of 1400's life)) the tree was lit aflame and the Brotherhood sang, danced and drank with maidens. "It rules," said a Blackheads member in attendance (Editor's note: Citation needed). The tradition became more widely accepted in 18th Century Germany. The Christmas tree was adopted in Quebec in 1781 by Hessian mercenaries and the custom has had a foothold in North America ever since.

Aflame Christmas trees today are somewhat less awesome.

The Tree

Tree types depend on what is locally available. In the Americas, evergreen firs and pines are most common while in Europe spruces are also available. With increasing occurrence, artificial trees are used. Artificial trees tend to be more convenient, cheaper and less of a fire hazard.

Trees are decorated according the owner's specifications, and many tree trimmings are a chance for family togetherness and subsequently family feuds. Lights, garland, tinsel, popcorn, holiday and religious ornaments and pet fur are regular decorations.

via Jade Gardens

The Tree's Life

Substantial or minimal work is required for the tree to be prosperous. Artificial trees are usually snap-fit products, many with the lights already built in. After the tree has served its purpose, the pieces are disassembled in reverse fashion and returned to its previous storage configuration, often draining valuable storage space.

By comparison, natural trees must be acquired annually, either from an official Christmas tree dealer or by hard work, sweat, and axes and chainsaws. After tying the tree to a vehicle roof, the tree must be ushered inside the home and hoisted onto it's base. This base is usually flimsy and easy to knock over, so can vouch your cat or dog. The tree must be watered and sometimes trimmed, and after the tree is no longer required, the tree is removed, sometimes even recycled.

The Tree's Death

After you're done with your natural Christmas tree, I reckon that like millions of other Americans you carry the tree to the side of the road and leave it for the city or town to pick up and go about vacuuming the infinite needles befallen to your floor.

Have you considered what your municipality does with that tree? My locality seems to dump the endless supply of trees into a large pit, forever a timber hazard.

Common is it for beachfront communities to bury the tree in sand. The trees catch blown sand and helps prevent waterfront erosion. More progressive municipalities may mulch the excess trees, making the wood chips available for residents or for city projects like parks and gardens.