100% x 90

🎄

Christmas Tree Footprint Calculator

Calculate the environmental impact of your Christmas tree and discover eco-friendly alternatives

🎄 Your Christmas Tree

Tree Size

Tree Farm Type

🚗 Transportation

How will you get your tree?

Distance to tree farm/store (one-way)

♻️ After Christmas - Tree Disposal

Landfill

Decomposes to produce methane (worst option)

Very negative - produces methane gas

Incineration/Burning

Burns and releases stored CO2

Neutral - releases stored carbon immediately

Composting

Natural decomposition with beneficial use

Positive - creates useful compost

Chipping/Mulch

Processed into garden mulch

Very positive - replaces synthetic fertilizers

Municipal Recycling

City recycling program

Positive - professional processing

Replanting

Tree continues growing (if it survives)

Excellent - tree continues absorbing CO2

Zoo Donation

Animals enjoy as food/enrichment

Neutral - natural use cycle

📊 Your Tree's Environmental Impact

30.8 kg

CO₂ equivalent emissions from your Christmas tree

🔴 High Impact

12.5 kg

CO₂ Released (tree cut)

1.5 kg

Transport Emissions

0.5 kg

Farming Impact

16.3 kg

Disposal Impact

For context, this is equivalent to:

• 74 miles driven by average car
• 34748 smartphone charges
• 71.5 pounds of coal burned
• 13.5 pounds of waste sent to landfill

100% x 250

🎄 Eco-Friendly Tips

Best Disposal

Compost, mulch, or replant for positive environmental impact

Transport Smart

Walk, bike, or use public transport when possible

Local First

Choose local tree farms to reduce transport emissions

♻️ After Christmas

🦣 Zoo donation: Many zoos accept trees for animal treats

🏞️ City recycling: Check local programs for tree collection

🌱 Garden mulch: Chip branches for natural mulch

🐟 Fish habitat: Submerge in ponds for fish shelter

🏖️ Beach erosion: Some areas use trees for dune protection

🪴 Replanting: Potted trees can be planted outdoors

📊 Christmas Tree Facts

• 30 million real trees sold annually in the US

• 6-12 years average growing time for Christmas trees

• 16 kg CO₂ landfill impact for 2m tree

• 40 kg CO₂ to manufacture artificial tree

• 10+ years artificial tree should be used to break even

• 300 years for PVC artificial tree to decompose

Making Christmas Greener

Natural Tree Benefits

Real Christmas trees are renewable crops that absorb CO₂ while growing, provide wildlife habitat, and prevent soil erosion. Most tree farms replant 1-3 seedlings for every tree harvested, making them carbon neutral or even positive during their growing phase.

The Disposal Difference

How you dispose of your tree has the biggest impact on its environmental footprint. Landfill disposal is worst because trees decompose anaerobically, producing methane - a greenhouse gas 25x more potent than CO₂. Composting or mulching creates beneficial soil amendments.

Artificial Tree Reality

Artificial trees have high upfront carbon costs but can be environmentally beneficial if used for many years. The breakeven point is typically 8-10 years of use. However, they're made from non-renewable petroleum products and don't biodegrade.

Creative Alternatives

DIY alternatives using items you already own have the lowest environmental impact. Book trees, light displays, and upcycled decorations reduce waste while creating unique holiday displays. These options are especially great for small spaces.