Real Christmas trees provide excellent habitat for birds and other small animals.  Their branches keep the ground cooler in summer and warmer in winter - sheltering many animals.  Christmas trees help prevent water and soil erosion.  They beautify the landscape

Real Christmas trees are recyclable.  After Christmas, they can be chipped.  This mulch is used by tree farmers to protect the tender roots of small trees.  Gardeners use it for their planting beds and garden paths.  This mulch cools the soil, helps retain moisture, and prevents weed growth.  In addition, clean urban wood waste is a raw material for district energy systems. This biomass produces steam, hot water, or chilled water - reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Real Christmas trees are biodegradable.  They will naturally and readily decompose.  They will not clog crowded landfills.

Christmas trees are produced on local farms.  As a result, they provide jobs and stimulate the local economy.  Many young people work on these farms, gaining and appreciation for the land and valuable life lessons.  If the grower also sells his product to local customers, he and his employees have an opportunity to learn how to interact with the public.

Many families have made buying a real tree a family tradition.  Often, families will return to the same farm year after year to make this holiday purchase.  As a result, many growers have had a unique opportunity to participate in an important part of their customer's holiday traditions.