Artificial Christmas Tree
From LoveToKnow Christmas
Currently, about half the Christmas trees displayed in the United States each year are artificial Christmas trees.
History
The first artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany in the nineteenth century, when deforestation was a problem. They were tabletop trees, made from goose feathers that were dyed green. The feathers were wound onto small sticks that were then inserted into a larger stick which functioned like a tree trunk. These trees appeared in the U.S. in 1913, when they were offered through the Sears-Roebuck catalog. These little trees are highly valued by antiques collectors today.
The Addis Brush Company developed an artificial tree in the 1930s, using the same machinery used to produce toilet brushes. These trees had branches made from twisted wires with needles of pig bristles dyed green. These small branches were twisted together to make larger branches, which were inserted into a center pole. The branches were color-coded for easy assembly.
Metallic Christmas trees appeared in the 1950s and 1960s. They were made of aluminum-coated paper, which made them highly flammable. They were lit by a spotlight instead of strings of lights mounted on the tree.
Why Use an Artificial Christmas Tree?
Many people prefer an artificial Christmas tree for practical reasons. They don’t shed needles, drip sap, or require regular watering. They are easy to set up and even easier to take down.
In some cases, tenants may be required to use artificial trees by the terms of their lease. Many landlords believe that artificial trees pose less fire risk than real trees do, even though the accuracy of this belief is still being debated.
If any member of the family is allergic to pine, fir, or balsam trees, an artificial Christmas tree is the ideal choice. It’s no fun to be sick at Christmas!
Although artificial Christmas trees can be quite expensive, they can be used for many years. A high-quality artificial tree usually has a ten-year warranty, but most can be used for much longer. Over time, artificial trees are cheaper than real ones.
Some people feel that artificial trees are more environmentally friendly than cut trees. As they are made from a non-renewable resource and cannot be recycled, this claim is incorrect.
Many people find that the many options available in artificial trees make a more beautiful Christmas display. Artificial trees are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.
Red, white, and purple are popular colors for artificial trees. There is even a tree with a mixture of white and translucent needles that is especially beautiful when ornamented with lights.
Artificial trees can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, which makes the “Where to put the Christmas tree?” question easy to answer. Trees specially designed for outdoor displays are available, so people who don’t want a pine tree growing in their yard all year can still have an outdoor Christmas tree.
Artificial Christmas trees lend themselves to amusing trends. In 2005, the most popular one was the upside-down tree, which was designed to hang from the ceiling. Hammacher Schlemmer couldn’t keep its $599.95 pre-lit model in stock long enough to meet customers’ demands. Other trendy ideas have included talking or singing trees and trees that blew artificial snow over themselves.
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Comments
So if I understand you correctly, you have all the branches, but not the pole to hook them in. Who is the manufacturer of the tree?
-- Contributed by: TK2I have a hook on style 7 foot artificial tree that is missing the center pole (GE 8744906702 Northern Spruce). Any suggestions where I might get a replacement center pole?
-- Contributed by: sing2carol@optonline.netOur family has always used Artificial Christmas Trees. I never knew how popular they were though. It makes a lot of sense since you really only have to buy one every so often. I'll be passing this along to friends that use real trees - thank you!
-- Contributed by: Brandie KingThis page has been accessed 6,251 times. This page was last modified 18:46, 28 August 2006.
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