It's important to keep in mind, however, that like any other agricultural products, Christmas trees may be sprayed with pesticides. According to Beyond Pesticides, in 2000 (the year of the most recent data), nearly every tree grown in North Carolina (a top Christmas tree producing state), was treated with one pesticide or another. Pesticides commonly used in North Carolina on Christmas trees include:

Symptoms following exposure to glyphosate--the most frequently used pesticide--include swelling, facial numbness, burning and/or itching skin, blisters, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, chest pains, congestion, coughing, headache, and nausea.

Also of particular concern are

• methyl bromide, an ozone depleter 50 times stronger than now-banned CFCs and is linked to birth defects and brain damage
• chlorpyrifos, so acutely toxic and of concern to children that its consumer uses were phased out in 2000,
• clopyralid--which has had many uses restricted due to its long-term contamination effects
• triclopyr--linked to breast cancer and genetic damage.

Tree farms

A better choice, if it is available to you, is to cut your own tree from a tree farm. Rural areas near urban centers often have tree farms where you can cut your own tree--a fun outing to take during the holidays that will connect you and your family with the tree in it's natural environment and the family who grew it. When we lived in California, my husband and I had our choice of several tree farms within an hour's drive of our home in the San Francisco Area. I just discovered we actually have a Christmas tree farm nearby here in Florida too, which we will visit for our tree this year.

Purchasing from a local tree farm supports your local economy and allows you to choose a species of tree that flourishes in your local bioregion. You can also meet the growers and talk to them about their growing methods. Tree farms operated by families are much more likely to use fewer pesticides or organic methods since the family lives on the farm year-round.

Organically-grown trees

Many family farms grow holiday trees organically. While I could find only one farm that will ship organically grown trees, there are many local organic farms that grow Christmas trees.

Choose your tree with recycling in mind

When purchasing your fresh-cut tree, remember that any natural tree can be recycled. Fllocked trees (decorated with fake snow), however, are not accepted in recycling programs.

So keep it natural--do not purchase a flocked tree or add any artificial spray-on snow product yourself at home.

How to keep your fresh-cut tree fresh

When you bring your tree home, care for it as you would cut flowers.

Keep the tree outdoors in a protected area until you are ready to decorate it. Saw a fresh straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut. This opens the tree stem so it can "drink." Then place it in any large container filled with fresh water. If you allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, a seal will form, just as it does on cut flowers, and a new cut will be necessary. Use hot water the first time to dissolve pitch that may be clogging water conduction tissues.

When you are ready to bring the tree indoors, place it in a Christmas tree holder that holds water. If you refill the water on a regular basis, your tree will remain fresh and fire-resistant throughout the season and will not lose its needles.

Fire safety precautions

A fresh Christmas tree that is well cared for will not catch fire. In fact there have been reports of house fires where the house burned completely, but the fresh holiday tree in the house did not even catch fire.

Still, it is wise to take these safety precautions:

• Unplug the tree lights before retiring or leaving home. Overheated lights can start a fire among the paper gift wrapping or curtains.
• Don't place your tree next to the fireplace. Sparks from the fire could ignite the paper wrapping of gifts placed beneath them.

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