There’s something comforting about the ritual. It’s a family trip where the phones are put away and everyone is paying attention. Together, you circle the lot, and eventually, everyone stops. You stare, you examine, you tilt your heads a bit, and then you collectively step back, trying to picture it in the living room. Is this the one? Is it the tree?
This ritual is one of many reasons people have returned to purchasing live trees the past few years. But there are other reasons to choose a live tree this year, some of which may surprise you.
It’s better for the environment
When you choose a tree from a local nursery that replaces each cut tree with a new planting, you’re actually helping, not harming, the environment. “Trees are a renewable resource,” says Jenn Cipriano, co-owner of Copia Home and Garden in South Salem. “We purchase our trees from farms in New England and New York that plant new trees for each one they cut. And because evergreen trees take about 10 to 15 years to become the average Christmas tree size, while they’re growing, they are sequestering carbon, which helps combat climate change.”
But there’s a catch: sending your real tree to a landfill means it decomposes without oxygen, therefore releasing methane—a greenhouse gas around 30 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. Instead, Cipriano says there are several ways to combat this problem and provide further benefits to the environment. For example, several local programs will collect your tree and bring it to an estuary where it could help reduce erosion, rebuild marsh or serve as a shelter for aquatic life.
But there are also ways to handle it yourself. “You can cut your tree and use the brush to mulch your beds, the logs for firewood, and place the trimmed branches with your forest leaves,” Cipriano explains. “You can also toss the entire tree into the woods, where it will naturally decompose while providing vital nutrients and shelter for various living beings. And some of our customers place their tree on their deck or back porch to create a bird sanctuary. Because our trees are so fresh, they’ll stay green on your porch until March.”
It’s better for your bottom line
An average fresh Christmas tree ranges from $125 to $200, approximately five times less than an artificial one. And while an artificial tree lasts longer, the lights are only good for about five years. Then, you must either purchase a new tree or remove and string new lights, which is an incredibly tedious and often frustrating task due to how they’re secured.
When it comes to decorating, a live tree can look elegant without much expense. “A nice roll of ribbon can go a long way,” says Cipriano. “Thin maroon velvet ribbon tied in loose bows with long tails is in style right now. Or, for a more elegant look, choose a wider ribbon and tuck several loops together to create the illusion of the ribbon running through the tree. It changes the entire look of the tree; even a tree filled with years of collected ornaments can be elegantly brought together with a beautiful ribbon.”
Another budget-conscious tip is to harvest your own greenery from your yard. Cipriano recommends planting winterberry and harvesting the stems for your holiday arrangements. “It’s a native plant, so it will grow well. Plus, the birds love it, so you’re also providing food for our local ecosystem.”
It’s better for local businesses
This point is more nuanced. If you choose to purchase your tree from a big box store, then no, it won’t be better for local businesses. And, unfortunately, it probably won’t be as fresh. “Some tree farms begin harvesting as early as September to meet demand,” Cipriano explains. “They place them in canals for two months so the roots can stay wet, but the needles will begin to shed. No one wants their tree to lose most of its needles two weeks before Christmas.”
Buying from a small local business can also mean closer attention to quality. “We purchase our trees from New Hampshire, and they are freshly cut the week before they are delivered,” Cipriano explains. Choosing a local nursery also keeps you connected to the businesses and people who serve the community, supporting them and their families in the process. So while the lasting memories may be the first reason to go, they don’t have to be the only one.
Return to purchasing a live tree this year and return to create memorable holiday traditions with a tree from Copia Home & Garden. Plus, get additional decorating tips and learn how to recycle or repurpose your tree. 475 Smith Ridge Rd., South Salem; (914) 533-7242; copiahomeandgarden.com.
This article was published in the November/December 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
The editorial staff at Connect To magazine.
