With the arrival of winter, the forests of the Iberian mountains are dyed white, emerald green and crimson, a color palette typical of winter vegetation. Without a doubt, among these plant species, the Fir stands out, a symbol of 'new life', being the great protagonist of Christmas celebrations. This species has been part of our history since Roman times, appearing reflected in their mythology or being consecrated tree species in ancient Greece. But its popularity is due to being known as one of the most emblematic elements of the Christmas season.
In fact, the symbolism related to Christmas has French origins, in Alsace, where in the 16th century trees were decorated with paper elements and apples. This practice quickly became popular in Germany and continued throughout the rest of European countries to the present day, where the tradition spreads around the world. Specifically, more than two million decorative trees are purchased each season in Spain, according to organizations such as Ecologistas en Acción.
How should we choose the best Fir? What differences are there between some species of trees and others? What aspects should we follow for its maintenance?; How can we give a second life to the Fir Tree after Christmas and prevent it from perishing? What sustainable decorations can be used in the garden? How can we introduce the natural beauty of Christmas into our homes? The expert and director of Fernando Pozuelo Landscaping Collection, reveals the keys to creating and maintaining a Christmas image that respects the environment.
Transform the garden into a sustainable Christmas picture
Experts in species conservation advocate the use of natural trees as decorative elements at Christmas, as long as they can give them a second life after the festivities. Specifically, natural fir trees are, for example, 100% recyclable since they can be replanted or crushed to obtain fertilizer and are less harmful to the environment than artificial decoration, which generates a carbon footprint that reaches 40 kg of Co2 . Furthermore, Fernando Pozuelo reveals how to introduce the beauty of nature into gardens, obtaining a sustainable Christmas image:
- Check the health of the species, key in choosing the Fir. These coniferous species usually grow in mountain areas, due to their need for large spaces to develop. They are capable of adapting to changes in climate, although care must be taken with high exposure to heat, as they need to feel the passing of the seasons. Regarding the land, one of the essential actions that must be carried out beforehand is the approach to gardening techniques to achieve a healthy garden. The use of sustainable practices such as the use of natural fertilizers -during the fertilizing season- and the integration of systems such as automatic irrigation, which respect ecosystems, reduce the waste of resources. During the cold seasons, it is necessary to be consistent with the care of the species, reducing the frequency of watering as they enter a period of hibernation and keeping the soil clean of leaves or debris that could damage the vegetation. During the festive period, trees that are decorated to give a Christmas image can suffer damage to the tree branches from the decorations. Therefore, the weight and size of the elements that are placed must be controlled.
- The fir tree or its Christmas aroma . In the field of landscaping, the fir adds a distinctive touch during the Christmas season with a special aroma and decoration. But not only Fir Trees are the hallmark of Christmas, species such as Cedars, Picea glauca 'Conica', Cypresses, Yews or Holly trees are some of the examples that evoke the festivity. The landscape expert, Fernando Pozuelo, advocates decorating the garden without modifying the species. “There are times when, due to the location of the garden, the Fir can be a plant that clashes with the harmony of the landscape. We can always use other types of species and attract the Christmas spirit without the need to cut down the forests. Since any plant species can be decorated in a sustainable way and evoke that Christmas image within our gardens.”
- Trend in outdoor Christmas decoration: connecting with nature. For this year, the bet in landscaping is to connect with nature. To achieve a Christmas look in the garden in a sustainable way, it is crucial to use natural and environmentally friendly elements. Elements such as mistletoe, pine cones, bouquets of dried plants or garlands of recycled leaves create sustainable decorations, respectful of the environment and the plant species. Thus, lighting is a key factor that will provide warmth to the environment. The use of candles or low-consumption LED lights are elements present this season.
- And inside homes? Decorating the interior of homes, giving them winter appearances, is one of the current trends. Attracting the beauty of nature to the rooms of the house can be done sustainably without having to use fast fashion decorations. Elements such as wood -providing natural texture-, essential oils -Christmas smells- or candles -providing warmth-, can be incorporated into the decoration in a homogeneous way and provide Christmas sensations to homes.
