Town Square Christmas Tree will be Artificial

[DangerMouse]

Yet more news . . .

Disneyland has decided to eliminate "real" tree and replace it with an Artificial version. When the Press Release comes out, it will talk about how Disney is trying to be "Green" and not cut down a large, old tree and how they are trying to help the environment. But of course, there are other reasons, including fire and other safety issues, and cost savings that helped with the decision to change over to the new version.

Not sure how I feel about this one . . .

The rest of the article can be found here:

http://micechat.com/forums/blog.php?b=537

 

[CalvaryMike]

I watch them assemble the 'real' Christmas tree at Fashion Island every year. The bare trunk comes in on a large truck in two pieces. They drill holes in it and then branches are then inserted into the holes on the trunk.

What's the difference between a fake and real tree at this point? If the same is done with the tree at DL, then I am okay with the fake tree.

 

[audrabolster]

I am personally proud of disney for this one. Last year the only thing I could think of is "why on earth did they cut down an old tree for this when they could use a really nice artificial one"

If it looks real, that's fine with me!

 

[DangerMouse]

I don't really mind the idea of a fake tree, and I'm sure DL will make it look incredible. I personally use one in our home. However, a poster over at MC made a really good point about DLR's decision being based on environmental reasons:

I am surprised by all the responses that say a fake tree is better for the environment. Think about it--an enormous plastic tree that will last for about 5 years or so--compared to a real tree that can be broken down into mulch and recycled. The real tree is grown on a tree farm where new trees are routinely planted and add to the oxygen levels on the planet.

What do you think happens to all of those plastic fake Christmas trees that are discarded each year? Look into your local landfill and you will have the answer.

 

[XTinabell]

Well I guess I'm in the minority here because I'm bummed they're using a fake tree this year. Yes, I use a fake one in my home but I loved that the huge tree in DL was real. Oh well.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Good points to consider Danger Mouse. On one hand, it seems like a fake tree would make more sense, but then on the other hand, maybe it's not as environmentally responsible as I originally would have thought!!

Personally, it doesn't matter to me, I am sure it will be beautiful no matter what. But now this makes me wanna look into it more and research what really is better! Hopefully they can make the fake one last atleast 10 years or so!

Andrea

 

[DoomBugger]

I think it is a good idea. In spite of it's magesty it makes me sad they cut down an old growth tree that takes over 100 years to get that size just for a few weeks a year.

The fashion island tree is awesome, no need to cut down a tree that has been growing for over a century just so we can all feel giddy walking down Main Street during the holidays.

 

[TheZue]

I don't really mind the idea of a fake tree, and I'm sure DL will make it look incredible. I personally use one in our home. However, a poster over at MC made a really good point about DLR's decision being based on environmental reasons:

Ya but the idea is to get a fake tree that can last a long time. I've had mine 10 years now and it's great, the more it's used the better it looks. I have no desire to get rid of it any time soon. And I'm not using a plastic base or driving to get a tree that's been trasported form a farm which makes up for part of it

 

[Lou-Ann]

While a real tree is lovely, most of the trees made today have a long life. WDW has used fake ones for years and they are lovely. We just gave away a tree we had used for 40 (yes 40) yrs and it was every bit as good as the day we bought it. You get what you pay for and Disney , I am sure, will buy a great tree. They do not do cheap decorations. I say the 100 year old tree should get to live on...

 

[dizneekrazee]

We bought a fake tree for our home a few years ago, I think in 2005. We did because it was more cost effecient for us. At that time, I though it was better for the enviornment as well, saving trees and all. Just this past holiday season, I learned I was wrong. There was an article in my local paper about real vs. fake trees in regards to the enviornment. It basically said the same thing DM posted from MC. Regardless on how long the fake tree is going to last, it will not last a lifetime. It will end up in a landfill somewhere, someday, and a tree that big in a landfill is nothing good for the enviornment. A real tree can be recycled, that is going "green".
If the enviornment werent as in bad of a condition as it is, I would say go for it (the fake tree), but since it is rapidly declining, I think they should stick the real tree each year. Thats just my 2 cents!!