Why Our Christmas Trees Are an Eco-Friendly Choice

A More Responsible Christmas · A Tradition Since 1968

Every holiday season, thousands of Quebec families choose a real Christmas tree. But one question often comes up: is cutting down a tree for Christmas really environmentally responsible?

The answer depends on several factors, including where the tree was grown, how it was cultivated, how far it travels, and what happens to it after the holidays.

At Sapin Chez Michel, we choose real Christmas trees grown in Quebec. For us, buying locally means supporting Quebec growers while keeping a cherished holiday tradition alive.

Here's why a real Christmas tree from a responsibly managed plantation can be an eco-conscious choice.

1. Real Christmas Trees Are a Renewable Resource

Contrary to what some people assume, commercially sold Christmas trees don't necessarily come from natural forests.

In Quebec, many Christmas trees are grown on agricultural plantations dedicated to holiday tree production.

Growers plant young evergreens, care for them over several years, and harvest them once they reach the desired size.

Christmas tree farming follows a growing cycle that can continue from one generation of trees to the next.

As with any agricultural activity, environmental impacts depend on growing methods, soil management, and resource use.

2. A Growing Process That Takes Years

A Christmas tree doesn't grow in just a few months. Before reaching your living room, it goes through many growing seasons.

Young trees begin developing in nurseries before continuing their growth in fields. Over the years, they're maintained and pruned to achieve the familiar shape of cultivated Christmas trees.

On a plantation, trees may be at different stages of development. Some are still young, while others are approaching marketable size.

This type of farming requires long-term planning and genuine horticultural expertise.

Learn more about how long it takes to grow a Christmas tree.

3. Christmas Trees Grown Locally in Quebec

Where a product comes from matters when considering its environmental impact.

At Sapin Chez Michel, all our real Christmas trees are grown in Quebec, including trees from growers in the Eastern Townships.

By choosing locally grown trees, we support Quebec horticulture and avoid sourcing our trees from much more distant regions.

Transportation still produces emissions, even for local products. Distance isn't the only consideration, but it is part of the overall picture.

Since 1968, our family has helped connect Quebec growers with Montreal families at Jean-Talon Market.

4. Christmas Trees Absorb CO₂ While Growing

Like all trees, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) through photosynthesis.

Some of that carbon is temporarily stored in their roots, branches, trunks, and needles during growth.

Christmas tree plantations also maintain vegetation cover on agricultural land for several years.

However, it would be incorrect to claim that this automatically makes every Christmas tree carbon-neutral. Farming, agricultural equipment, transportation, and end-of-life treatment also have environmental impacts.

5. Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Is Greener?

Both options have different benefits and environmental impacts. There isn't one universal answer for every situation.

The overall environmental impact depends on production methods, transportation distances, how many years an artificial tree is reused, and what happens to each product at the end of its life.

For families who enjoy buying a real tree, choosing one grown in Quebec and arranging proper recovery after Christmas is a thoughtful approach.

Likewise, if you already own an artificial tree, continuing to use it for many years instead of replacing it early can also be a responsible choice.

6. Giving Your Christmas Tree a Second Life

After the holidays, a real Christmas tree can still be useful.

Montreal and several other Greater Montreal municipalities offer seasonal collection programs for natural Christmas trees.

Depending on the municipality, collected trees may be chipped into mulch or processed through other recovery systems.

Before putting your tree out for collection, remove all ornaments, lights, garlands, and artificial decorations.

Check your municipality's instructions for collection dates and accepted materials.

7. The People Behind Every Christmas Tree

Choosing a Quebec-grown Christmas tree also means recognizing the work of the people who grow, harvest, transport, and prepare these trees.

Growing a quality Christmas tree takes years of care. Then comes harvesting, loading, transportation, and unloading.

These moments are part of our everyday work during the holiday season. They remind us of the teamwork involved in bringing a Christmas tree from the plantation to a family's home.

At Sapin Chez Michel, this family tradition has continued at Jean-Talon Market since 1968.

Discover our family story and the people behind our business.

8. Five Simple Ways to Celebrate a More Responsible Christmas

Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

A Natural Tradition With the Future in Mind

For our family, a real Christmas tree represents much more than a holiday decoration.

It's the result of years of cultivation, the work of Quebec growers, and a family tradition that brings generations together.

By choosing locally grown trees and encouraging responsible recovery after the holidays, we hope to contribute to a more thoughtful way of celebrating Christmas.

At Sapin Chez Michel, we're proud to have kept this tradition alive since 1968.