Speaking of roots I would love it if everyone could extend this thinking by buying a living Christmas tree. It is all too sad and indicative of our wasteful society that after a number of days after the festivities are over that dead trees start piling up outside homes, to be collected and dumped.
Many people think the option is a) an artificial tree or b) to cut down a live tree, but I say option c! Get a small live tree, keep it in a pot, keep giving it regular and small amounts of water, plant it outside when the weather is right (you may want to pre-dig a whole before xmas and then pad it a bit with straw/ old paper.) You could keep it in a well light garage or in a conservatory or greenhouse until spring. I find that giving it a few days to acclimatise in the garage, before planting out and watering regularly once planted is the best way to go.
You can re-use your live tree year after year (until it is too big to bring in any more) as long as you take reasonable care of it. I have in the past kept the root bag over the root ball when re-planting it, making a few breaks in the netting to allow some root growth, but enough coverage to restrict the amount it can grow and therefore extend the number of years you and your family can get enjoyment from it. Then when it is a good size you can decorate it outside and if you wish buy another one for inside and begin the process all over again!
Just to be aware that artificial trees often contain: Lead & other carcinogens.
Flocked trees are a good artificial option and provide the look of snowy branches. The ingredients are usually non-toxic, but these are usually more expensive.
Fiber optic lights/ 'trees' are low energy and therefore have their merits.
LED lights are also an excellent energy saving choice.
But my choice every time is a living tree, one to watch grow over the years as the family grows!
Best wishes for the season.
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