The secrets of choosing a New Year tree “scientifically” have been revealed: time and place

Choosing the size of the tree, garlands and decorations can cause stress even for the most ardent lover of Christmas and New Year holidays, writes the Daily Mail. Another important question is whether to choose a real tree or a fake one, especially for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint this year.

To help, MailOnline spoke to experts to find out which Christmas tree is perfect, according to science, and why bigger isn’t always better.

Deciding whether to use a real tree or an artificial one is usually the first step—and generally speaking, it’s best to use a real one.

Artificial Christmas trees are not recyclable because they are made from a combination of materials that cannot be separated, so when they are thrown away they end up in a landfill.

What’s more, they’re mostly made of plastic and emit more greenhouse gases over their lifetime compared to real products that actually absorb carbon.

According to Professor Ian Rotherham, an ecologist at Sheffield Hallam University, artificial trees can leave a particularly large carbon footprint if they are imported from overseas and only used once.

“If you spread the use out over ten years, the impact is negligible,” he told MailOnline. “But if it is produced overseas, say in China for example, and transported to the UK, then the immediate carbon footprint will be significant.”

While artificial Christmas trees can of course be reused, the same can be done with real Christmas trees if they are replanted in the garden or returned to suppliers, the Daily Mail notes.

Some services pick up used Christmas trees after the new year to replant them before reusing them for the next holiday in an attempt to eliminate waste.

Professor Rotherham stressed that the carbon footprint of a real tree depends largely on what you do with it after Christmas.

“Buy a real tree in a pot and use it for a few years, then plant it outside to let it grow,” he told MailOnline. “This way you’ll even reduce your carbon footprint from other Christmas celebrations a little.”

Christmas tree sellers sell a variety of trees, but only one is considered the best, according to the Daily Mail. Veronica Kusak, director of London-based tree company Pines and Needles, said Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) was the most popular option. It is native to the mountainous areas south and east of the Black Sea in countries such as Georgia and Turkey, but is grown commercially in the UK as a long-lasting Christmas tree. “Its non-falling, soft-touch needles make it a great option for homes with children or pets,” Kusak told MailOnline. “With proper tree care, there’s no reason why you should ever grab a vacuum cleaner to clean up fallen pine needles.” throughout the holiday season.”

Other good options are noble fir, known for its blue-gray foliage, and Fraser fir, which also holds needles well.

And while people like to buy their Christmas tree as soon as December arrives – or in many cases well before – the second week of December is optimal, the Daily Mail highlights.

“If you’re choosing a natural tree, we’d recommend not putting your tree up too early,” Ms Kusak told MailOnline. “The second week of December is the best time to keep your tree looking stunning all season long.”

When it comes to height, six-foot (1.82m) trees are the most popular choice as they tend to fit well into most homes, although a lot depends on how much space you have, notes the Daily Mail (it goes without saying about British housing).

It’s worth keeping in mind that the taller the tree, the further its branches will stick out when it’s turned around, which can lead to impact, so bigger isn’t always better. “Make sure you have enough space for your branches to reach their final position,” Ms Kusak told MailOnline. “As long as your tree is properly looked after, size should not affect its longevity.”

Some tree retailers offer a stand that you can refill with water, which will help extend its life throughout the holiday season. “Your tree can drink up to 1-2 liters of water a day, depending on its size and central heating settings, so you need to constantly top up,” reminds Veronica Kusak. “However, a lot depends on how the tree was grown, so this You may not need it (but if in doubt, ask the seller).”

“Trees are now treated to reduce moisture loss and needle drop – so this extends the working life and reduces variation between different species,” Professor Rotherham says.

What can affect the longevity of a tree is where exactly you place it in your home. Once you place it indoors, you will need a location away from any extreme temperatures, such as a radiator or air conditioner.

“Trees prefer stable conditions, so it’s best to avoid any sudden changes in temperature,” Veronica Kusak told MailOnline. “Make sure you position your tree away from any direct heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces. Heat, air conditioners and dehumidifiers are faster.” dry out your tree, so the farther you are from potentially dangerous heat sources, the better and the fresher your tree will remain.”

A location in front of a window may be ideal if you want to show off your tree to your neighbors, but this is not necessary as fir trees do not need sunlight.

“Typically the problem is not lighting but excessive heat, so it’s best to keep the tree relatively cool,” Professor Rotherham said.

The final step is to decorate the tree, and it’s always better to buy more eco-friendly paper or wooden decorations instead of plastic ones, writes the Daily Mail. It is known that any plastic accessories, once thrown away, are harmful to the environment. Plastic waste takes years to decompose in landfills and can pollute the environment or end up in our waterways and oceans.

Another eco-friendly option is LED lights, which use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer.

“Choosing to use paper, wood or even greenery is a great way to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum,” advises Veronica Kusak. “It’s also a good way to get kids involved in decorating with fun holiday crafts.”

Once the festivities are over, reuse the decorations for the upcoming Christmas celebrations – and if you can’t replant your tree, contact your local council to have it recycled. Just make sure you don’t burn the wood or send it to a landfill.

“If used wood is recycled as wood chips, all of this material ends up going back into the soil and only a small portion is immediately released back into the atmosphere,” Professor Rotherham said. “If you burn old wood, it is immediately released into the air as carbon dioxide , as well as other pollutants.”