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Yay or Nay

Yay or Nay: Would you rent a Christmas tree?

christmas-tree.jpgLast year we did the whole real vs. artificial trees debate to death, and I'm sure it'll soon be raging once again. But I've recently heard about a third option that could throw open the argument once again, or possibly even solve it: it's the idea of renting a Christmas tree.

So far, I'm only aware of one, solitary farm offering such a scheme: Heeley City Farm in Sheffield. The scheme allows you to collect a tree at the beginning of the festive season, then when twelfth night rolls around, instead of planting it in the garden or gifting it to the bin men, you return it to the farm where it'll be well looked after for another year, ready to do its Christmassy service for another family next December.

Related: Grow your own Christmas tree | Hippyshopper guide to Christmas trees | Alternative green Christmas tree

As a bit of a sentimental soul, I rather like this idea. But don't forget, that's one more tree to do its carbon trapping thing that might not have been there, and absolutely no waste. So why aren't more tree-renting schemes available, I say, and would you like to take advantage if there was one near you?

Posted by AbiSilvester on November 26, 2008

Comments

I'd love to have a scheme like this in London.

I'm not fussed about having a real tree, but my partner insists on it. So I'm kinda stuck right now.

Seems like such a disposable culture action to just buy a tree, keep it three weeks and then pass it onto the council for chipping.

I'm sure a rental tree would work out cheaper than paying £20-30 for a real one too.

Posted by: Adam | November 26, 2008 10:25 AM

Hi Adam

Yes, it seems like such a good idea all round I'm amazed it isn't going on in other places. I'm thinking that perhaps it is, but because it's only small farms doing it, we don't hear about it.

I can certainly see where your partner's coming from...I think it's the scent of a real tree that many of us love at this time of year!

Posted by: Abi | November 26, 2008 10:48 AM

I'd definitely do it! a real tree is simply a non-negotiable of christmas for me. I'm proabbly wrong, but plastic trees seem far less environmentally friendly and symbolic of christmas drifting from the 'genuine'.

But I understand that it's not particuarly good to grow them just to cut them down and keep them for a month then get rid of them.

renting one, that would definitley be an easy win and returning it surely wouldn't be any more hassle than taking the other one to be disposed of. or will the farm collect as well?

Posted by: kathryn | December 4, 2008 6:16 PM

Most definitely. I hate the thought of a tree being chopped down just to glam up my lounge for a couple of weeks. I hate plastic ones and have to have the smell of a real one, so as long as it's not too expensive and if there is any way they could be delivered and collected too that would be FAB!

Posted by: Martina | December 12, 2008 8:09 PM

Well, every year I buy a rooted tree, and it doesn't seem to matter how much attention and watering they get, they are always worse for wear by the new year.
Of my last 3 only one tiny one (that I took to work!)survived. This year, as I trim the dead branches for my log fire I am making one resolution.... I will be renting one next year, it's in the farmers best interst to see they are properly rooted and in a big enough pot, so I hope that my adopted tree in 2009 will become a seasonal family fixture for years to come, or until it touches the ceiling!

Posted by: Kate | January 7, 2009 11:54 AM

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