The science of Christmas trees

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2011/dec/21/1

Which is more environmentally friendly; a fake Christmas tree or a real one? If you want a real tree for Christmas, which species should you choose so you don't end up with the needles falling all over your floor a few days later? Whether you've got your Christmas tree or not, you'll find answers to these questions and more in this video about the science of Christmas trees.

In this film, "The Science of Christmas Trees", videographer Brady Haran and University of Nottingham ecologist Markus Eichhorn went to a local seller and discussed the trees on offer. This film was unscripted and unplanned, designed to come across as a simple and casual chat, yet meant to inspire people to think a little more deeply about something they may take for granted, or may not necessarily think of as a topic of scientific interest.

*** video at link

[tclambert]

1. Summary: Eichhorn prefers real trees, the Noble fir (an American variety) and the Nordmann spruce

The needles on the Nordmann can last up to 20 years, so you don't have to "hoover" them up off your floor. The Noble fir has soft needles. Real trees, he says, are biodegradeable and support local farmers.

[Hissyspit]

2. I have a live rootball White Pine this year.

Not as aromatic, but I will plant it first week of January.

[glinda]

6. I have a local farm cut white pine and you are right. No smell. Darn.

[Odin2005]

4. real trees smell wonderful, too.

[wizstars]

5. and my cat thinks it's catnip...

...when she gets a good whiff of the cedar, she gets kite-high in no time!

A couple more environmental aspects of cedar trees for Christmas. After the holiday, I can take it out on the ice on my pond. When the ice melts, the tree falls in the water, and becomes shelter for fish. Plus, cedar is now regarded as an invasive species, so cutting one is a benefit to the native species like oak. So I'm all for cutting a live cedar for Christmas! So is my cat!

[JDPriestly]

3. Interesting.