How sustainable is a real christmas tree?
According to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association and the Carbon Trust, the facts speak for themselves – choosing a real Christmas tree is one of the easiest and most joyful ways to go greener this festive season. Real trees naturally absorb CO₂, support wildlife as they grow, and have a far lower carbon footprint than artificial trees, especially when recycled locally. Meanwhile, artificial trees rely heavily on carbon-intensive plastics and manufacturing, giving them a much higher environmental impact. Discover the full picture in the facts below, and feel great about choosing a real tree this Christmas.
Lowest Carbon Footprint
Real, locally grown Christmas trees have the smallest environmental impact compared with artificial alternatives.
Impact of Disposal
A 2m real tree produces around 16kg CO₂ in landfill, but only 3.5kg CO₂ when chipped for garden use.
Artificial Tree Emissions
Plastic trees generate around 40kg CO₂, meaning they must be reused for 10+ years to match the footprint of a responsibly recycled real tree.
Why Artificial Trees Are Carbon-Heavy
Most emissions come from plastic production and manufacturing, making them far more carbon intensive.
Environmental Benefits of Real Trees
Real trees absorb CO₂, support wildlife during their 10–12 year growth, and can be widely recycled through local services.
Sustainably Grown Crop
Christmas trees are farmed, not taken from forests, with multiple seedlings planted for every tree harvested.
