Welcome to a special seasonal episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! In this episode, we delve into the age-old debate of artificial vs. real Christmas trees. As we explore the ecological impact, we discover that artificial trees, despite their convenience, have a threefold negative impact on climate change and resource depletion, and they often end up in landfills. But fear not, we'll share a way to mitigate these drawbacks if you still prefer an artificial tree.

It's fascinating to learn how Christmas tree farming is a thriving part of the economy, with over 15,000 tree farms across the US. These sustainable crops might just change the way you see your holiday centerpiece. Plus, we uncover a heartwarming survey result: those who cut their own trees are more likely to create new holiday traditions with family. Tune in to explore the fascinating world of Christmas trees, their impact on our planet, and the heartwarming traditions they inspire.

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Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.