A Brief History of Artificial Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since their inception in Germany in the 19th century. The first artificial trees were made out of goose feathers dyed green, and they were not very popular among the wealthy, who preferred real trees. It wasn’t until after World War II that artificial trees began to gain popularity in America, where they became a staple of the holiday season. Nowadays, artificial Christmas trees are a booming market, with a large portion of them being manufactured in China.
The Manufacturing Process in China
China is the largest manufacturer of artificial Christmas trees, accounting for over 80% of the world’s supply. Most of these trees are produced in the Guangdong province, where factories employ thousands of workers to produce millions of trees yearly.
The process begins with creating a metal frame, which is then covered in PVC or polyethylene plastic needles. The needles are then attached to the frame, forming the tree. The number and length of the branches determine the height and shape of the tree.
Once the tree is formed, it is sent through a series of machines that fluff the branches and give them a more realistic appearance. The branches are then assembled, and the tree is packaged for shipping.
Interestingly, manufacturing artificial Christmas trees has been linked to conserving natural trees and preserving the Great Wall. Recently, Chinese officials have been encouraging artificial trees to reduce deforestation caused by the demand for real trees during the holiday season. In addition, using artificial trees puts less pressure on the Great Wall, home to many species of plants and animals.
Decorating Artificial Christmas Trees
Once you’ve picked out your artificial tree, it’s time to decorate it! The benefit of artificial trees is that they can be reused year after year, with decorations changing each holiday season.
Before decorating, it’s essential to fluff the branches to give them an even appearance. Next, add lights and garland before placing ornaments on the tree. Be sure to distribute ornaments evenly throughout the tree, with more giant ornaments towards the bottom and smaller ones towards the top. Adding a tree topper completes the look.
In conclusion, artificial Christmas trees are a convenient and practical alternative to real trees, becoming more popular each year. With China producing most of these trees, the manufacturing process is fascinating, and the impact on conservation efforts is significant. Decorating an artificial tree for the holiday season can be a fun and creative endeavor that can be enjoyed for years.