Seems like there’s myths and urban legends about almost everything today and the Christmas tree hasn’t been left out. So many things have been said about live trees throughout the years that many consumers are confused about what is true and what is false. Here are 10 of the most common myths that might ease your mind about using a live Christmas tree.

1. Live Christmas trees are cut down in the nations forests.

While this myth is mostly false, it does have a little truth to it. There are a few locations where the Forest Service allows people to purchase a permit to cut a live tree. The trees are cut to create fire breaks in certain areas. But, the number of trees that actually come from a forest is very minimal.

The true fact is that about 98% of live Christmas trees are grown and harvested on farms much like any other crop. There are around 73 million trees planted on about half a million acres each year. There are around 21,000 Christmas tree farms located in all 50 states that provide around 100,000 jobs.

2. If you use an artificial tree you’ll be saving a live tree.

Many artificial tree manufacturers use the slogan, “Save a Tree” claiming that if you purchase an artificial tree you’ll be saving a live tree. Christmas trees are grown commercially as a crop. They are specifically planted to be used as a Christmas tree. This is like saying, if you eat a potato you’ll be saving a ear of corn!

3. Live Christmas trees are a big fire hazard.

Almost every Christmas you see a house fire in the news that is attributed to a Christmas tree. So, it’s very clear to see where a lot of people might believe that they are indeed a fire hazard. There are some cases where a tree has been the source of a fire. But, the news industry places a lot of “importance” on certain events.

For instance, there are thousands of car wrecks each year. But, you never hear an exact count on any given weekend unless it happens to be a holiday weekend. There are probably just as many, or more wrecks on other weekends throughout the year that aren’t a big topic in the news.

The truth is that live Christmas trees are perfectly safe as long as you take certain steps. Make sure you keep them well watered to prevent them from drying out and only choose fresh cut trees. According to reports from the National Fire Protection Association, both artificial and live trees account for less than 1/10 of one percent of the total house fires in the United States. A live tree that is kept fresh is very difficult to ignite.

4. Live Christmas trees are covered with chemicals and pesticides.

There has never been a single scientific fact to prove that Christmas trees are a dangerous source of chemicals and pesticides. In fact, most Christmas tree farmers live on their farms with their families. Chemicals and pesticides are used only when absolutely necessary and in accordance with all the guidelines set forth by the FDA, EPA and the USDA.

On the other hand, there have been several scientific studies that prove that the lead dust that comes from plastic trees is a health danger. The danger is so real that in some states it’s a law that artificial trees and wreaths have to have a warning label.

5. Live Christmas trees cost a lot of money.

This myth actually does have a little bit of truth to it. Depending on the size, type, species of the tree and where it was harvested you could spend several hundred dollars on a live Christmas tree. However, prices vary greatly and in many cases you can find a beautiful live tree for around $20.

This myth is another one that is often used by artificial Christmas tree manufacturers. They try to claim that if you purchase an artificial tree you can save money over a period of years. This is definitely not true unless you do plan to pay a lot for a live tree. Some artificial Christmas trees can cost $300 or more. Let’s do the math:

15 Live Christmas Trees @ $20 = $300
1 Artificial Christmas Tree = $300

This means that you’d have to use the same artificial Christmas tree for 15 years to come out ahead and save any money at all. The plain truth is that even with the best of care you’ll be lucky to be able to use an artificial Christmas tree for 10 years before it will need replaced. And, most artificial trees will only last several years.

Written by Connie Corder for ChristmasChimney.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved