Since the Christmas tree is so important, what is it and where does it come from?

In Germany, Christmas trees are generally pine, pine, and fir, with leaves that are green and translucent, lush branches, symmetrical branches, and distinct layers. According to the German Christmas Tree Production Association, the sales market value of Christmas trees in Germany is estimated to be 700 million euros. In 2014 alone, Germany sold 23 to 25 million Christmas trees. For a population of only over 80 million in Germany, this means that almost every family has purchased Christmas trees. 90% of the Christmas trees sold in the market are locally produced in Germany, and 10% come from other European countries. The price of a Christmas tree is often determined by its height. In Berlin, a one meter Christmas tree costs around 18 to 24 euros, of course, the higher the height, the more expensive the price.

Faced with such a huge demand, the result of deforestation would be unimaginable. In fact, the vast majority of Christmas trees purchased by Germans come from specialized large-scale plantations, with a total planting area of 50000 hectares on Christmas tree farms throughout Germany.

In the past, farmers had to apply more fertilizer, sprinkle more pesticides, and spray more herbicides to make trees grow faster. However, excessive fertilizers and pesticides can have a negative impact on groundwater and can also damage the environment. Germans are very passionate about the environment and advocate a green lifestyle, and now they continue this passion to the choice of Christmas trees. In recent years, Germany has launched plans to plant organic Christmas trees. The so-called organic Christmas tree refers to a Christmas tree produced through stricter organic cultivation methods without the use of fertilizers or pesticides during the planting process.

Knowing where the Christmas tree comes from, where can I buy it?

About one-third of Germans will buy Christmas trees at street markets, another one-third will buy directly from plantation farms, and the rest will buy from garden markets, shopping malls, or online. The Christmas tree market on the streets is temporary, usually set up at the end of November and closed after Christmas, similar to the fireworks and firecracker sales points before the Chinese New Year. The advantage of choosing a Christmas tree in the market is that it is located in a residential area with convenient transportation and allows you to choose the style you like, but the disadvantage is that you have to transport it home by yourself. No matter where you buy it, take the Christmas tree home and the whole family will decorate it together. No one can leave behind any colorful lights, red and green colored balls, or any other decorations.