Common wisdom might suggest that an artificial Christmas tree, unboxed and redecorated year after year, is the smarter choice for an environmentally sound holiday home. But many gardening and climate-change experts want homeowners to “get real” when it comes to Christmas trees and their environmental impact. And taking this eco sensibility a step further, select nurseries and other specialty services have introduced live-tree rentals in recent years.
Rentals often mean sharing the care of a tree throughout the year — tended in their pot by homeowners during the peak holiday season, returned to the loving hands of a nursery the rest of the year, and then making a return trip to your living room for subsequent years. Yes, some families even name their trees — Bruce the Spruce? Jennifir? Options abound. Some rental plans may not include the return of the same tree, so ask before you sign. For sure, many Americans love the decorated tree as a perennial holiday tradition. More than 95 million U.S. households deck the halls with a Christmas tree, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. About 80% of those homes opt for faux firs, which leaves about 17 …