According to the German environmental authority, Christmas trees are usually grown in plantations. This has a negative impact on the environment due to the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.“Compared to other consumer goods, however, the environmental impact of Christmas trees can be categorised as low,” it explains.

Consumers can also look out for ecologically certified trees, which are grown without pesticides and mineral fertilisers. However, according to a survey by the organisation Robin Wood, such Christmas trees only have a market share of less than 1%.

The transport of the trees to the living room also has consequences for the environment, especially across national borders. The environmental authority therefore recommends buying Christmas trees at least in the region.

Those who opt for an artificial tree should also use it for as long as possible, the authority further advises. The decisive factor with regard to the environmental balance is how many natural Christmas trees it replaces in the course of its“life”.

This content was published on Dec 24, 2015 Would you rent a Christmas tree? More Swiss are doing so for various reasons. swissinfo follows a father and son making their festive deliveries.