Holiday decorators stand to save significantly with the use of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Christmas trees over farm-grown trees, according to the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA).
A 10-year analysis released by ACTA shows the purchase of a single PVC Christmas tree costs 70 percent less than farm grown trees over the same period. And when the PVC tree is used for more than 10 seasons, the savings can be even greater.
“A great way to minimize stress during the holidays and save money in the long run is to purchase an artificial tree,” says Jami Warner, ACTA Executive Director. Man-made trees have come a long way since the garish aluminum ones of the 1960s. Today’s choices in artificial trees are more lifelike than ever, often named after and resembling real tree species, in a variety of styles and sizes, sometimes including polyethylene in the branches for optimum realism.
Many practical reasons encourage consumers to choose PVC Christmas trees: durability, easy assembly, low maintenance and quick take-downs. They don’t leave pesky pine needles on the floor or leak sap, do not need to be watered, which could damage floors and carpets, will not have unsightly bare spots, and do not bring chemical residue from pesticides into the home. The branches are resistant to fading, and crush resistant to keep their shape year after year.
In addition, PVC/vinyl trees have fire retardant properties, and are approved by the National Fire Protection Association, which reports more than 200 home structure fires annually began with natural Christmas trees, causing an annual average of 24 civilian fire deaths and more than $13 million in damage.
Many who are allergic to terpene (the substance found in the oil or sap of natural trees), microscopic mold spores, pollen, or dust, or who suffer from asthma, seem to have determined that PVC trees are a healthier option.
The American Christmas Tree Association claim artificial trees use an extremely high quality PVC/vinyl that is chemically and mechanically stable and does not affect human health is a safe plastic under normal conditions of use. Moreover, artificial Christmas trees are made of recycled PVC/vinyl, and manufacturers of artificial trees can recycle scrap PVC/vinyl right within their own factories.
Some trees are pre-lit, have a frosted look, and are designed for outdoor use. Christmas Lights Etc. offers outdoor trees that stand up many metres tall, including the Giant Everest, with its branch needles made of high-grade commercial PVC/vinyl that quickly snap back into place when bent or pressed.
Greg Bocchi, President of The Vinyl Institute, claimed, “Once consumers switch to a PVC/vinyl tree, they rarely go back.”
