If you’re hoping for an environmentally-friendly Christmas this year, consider the following facts about trees and tree farms before you decide what to trim this holiday season:

• There are about 500,000 acres in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., helping to preserve green space.
• Christmas tree farms are home to wildlife such as deer, turkey, fox and countless species of birds.
• Tree farms help to stabilize the soil and protect water supplies.
• Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees are manufactured using harmful and non-renewable materials such as vinyl and lead.
• There are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs throughout the United States. Recycling ranges from chipping trees into biodegradable mulch for playgrounds and hiking trails to using whole trees as natural erosion control along slopes and stream banks.
• For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, up to 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring.
• There are about 21,000 Christmas Tree growers in the U.S., and over 100,000 people employed full or part-time in the industry.

Sources: National Christmas Tree Association and the New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association