According to a story in USA Today, the rent-a-tree industry has gained ground in recent years as eco-minded consumers seek a natural tree without the possible guilt of dumping it curbside later.
At least seven companies or environmental groups on the West Coast are now offering the service – another option in the evergreen debate whether natural or artificial trees are more eco-friendly.
Living Christmas Company did a few trial deliveries in 2008, rented 640 trees last year and expects more than a 1,000 rentals this year.
The disposal issue is often cited by artificial tree fans, who also note a real tree’s potential fire hazard and its messy pine needles.
Photo by Living Christmas Company.