As much as we’d like to think that real Christmas trees are taken from real forests, most of them are grown by farmers and growers in Christmas tree farms. Since 1851, when Marc Carr opened a lot for real Christmas trees in New York, the industry for tree lots has grown, and now account for 98 percent of all real Christmas trees used for decorating. Presently, there are 350 million real Christmas trees in the United States, all planted by farmers.
Christmas trees grown for commercial use are often plucked, treated, and sprayed with chemicals to promote growth and pleasing aesthetics. For example, most Christmas trees don’t naturally grow into the shape we’re familiar with, and need to be regularly sheared and trimmed to that shape.
North Carolina State University has a list of chemicals that go into Christmas trees, and in what concentration these chemicals are applied. In 1995, the first study of the chemicals found in Christmas trees by the university was conducted by Dr. Steve Toth, a Pesticide Impact Specialist with North Carolina State University.
By surveying farmers that grew Christmas trees, they found that these trees are treated to retain cosmetic value, and to render the tree free of pests. Many pests like the Balsam Woolly Adelgids are a big problem for Christmas trees, and an infestation on these trees can make them unsellable.
Lindane was used to prevent aldegids on trees, but as this chemical isn’t available anymore, Asana, Thiodan, Astro or Talstar are used in rotation to remove this pest, and this is the most costly of the chemicals. These chemicals have an effect on other things although, and not just confined to Christmas trees. Like Asana can adversely affect aquatic organisms. Lindane was banned for use in the US because it was found to cause cancer.
Talstar is also a popular chemical used in treating real Christmas trees. Talstar is a Restricted Use Pestecide; it can paralyze the nervous systems of insects. It is highly toxic to animals, and because of that is used sparingly in real Christmas trees.
Many other chemicals are used for Christmas trees, and these chemicals are mostly Restricted Use Pestecides, in order to keep Christmas trees looking aesthetically attractive. Many people, considering this aspect of Christmas tree farming now turn to artificial trees to fill their Christmas centerpieces, especially with pets around the home.
Chemicals are a double-edged sword most of the time, and making sure what’s in your trees is a good idea when picking your Christmas trees for the home.
