Oh Christmas Tree! A Kiwi Arborist’s Take on a Holiday Hero

At Beaver Tree Service we appreciate the Christmas tree from a unique perspective – not just as a decoration, but as a living testament to the beauty of nature and the quirks of Kiwi Christmas traditions.

The Pine Perfect Tradition

When you think “Christmas tree,” chances are a pine tree or fir tree springs to mind. In New Zealand, however, we’ve always liked to do things our own way. While traditional Northern Hemisphere fir trees might make an appearance here and there, many Kiwis embrace homegrown species like the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) or even a native pōhutukawa branch. Sure, a pōhutukawa tree in your lounge might be unconventional, but those crimson blooms are as Kiwi as pavlova on Christmas Day.

If you’re going for a classic pine, though, you’re in luck. New Zealand’s pine plantations supply fresh, fragrant Christmas trees that are often locally grown. Not only do they make your home smell like a forest wonderland, but they’re also sustainable when farmed responsibly.

Not All Pines Are Christmas Trees 🎄

You may already know this, but not every pine tree is cut out for Christmas! While species like Monterey Pine are perfect for the holiday season, many wild-growing pines are a different story. In New Zealand, wilding pines are a major ecological issue. These self-seeding invaders can spread rapidly, overtaking native ecosystems and crowding out our precious native plants.

Wilding pines can be like wasps at your holiday barbecue – they show up, cause chaos, and refuse to leave. If you’ve got unwanted pines growing on your property, they’re not just an eyesore – they can also pose fire risks in our hot, dry summers.  As they get bigger they also get more dangerous, dropping branches or splitting under their own weight!

Here’s where we can help! At Beaver Tree Service, we specialize in removing rogue pines and restoring order to your landscape. And if you’re feeling eco-friendly, why not replace those unwanted pines with native trees? They’re better suited to our soil, provide habitats for local wildlife, and bring a touch of Kiwi character to your property.

Decorating Your Tree Kiwi Style

Once your tree is standing tall (and straight – we’ve all had those wobbly-tree moments), it’s time to get creative. Tinsel and baubles are classic, but why not embrace some Kiwi flair? String up a garland of seashells, tuck in some pōhutukawa flowers, or hang decorations shaped like koru, fantails, or even sheep!

For the environmentally conscious, homemade decorations are a winner. Pinecones, dried citrus slices, or even gingerbread ornaments bring a rustic charm – and they’re compostable or edible, making them kind to the planet.

After the Festivities

When the last present is unwrapped and the Christmas crackers have all been pulled, it’s time to think about what to do with your tree. Here’s where we arborists can help you make eco-friendly choices.

A used Christmas tree can be repurposed into mulch for your garden – a fabulous way to give it a second life. Some councils and community groups even run tree recycling programs, where your tree is turned into compost or wood chips. If you have a living tree in a pot, even better! Pop it back outside, and it can join the garden or wait for its encore performance next year.

A Tree-mendous Legacy

While Christmas trees may be a seasonal staple, they’re also a reminder of the beauty and importance of trees year-round. Whether it’s the towering giants of the forest or the humble shade trees in your backyard, trees are worth celebrating and protecting.

This Christmas, why not plant a tree in honour of the season? It’s a gift that keeps on giving – to the planet, to wildlife, and to future generations. And if you need a hand removing unwanted trees, or looking after the ones you already have, you know where to find us.

Here at Beaver Tree Service, we wish you and your family a very merry Christmas, filled with laughter, love, and just the right amount of tinsel. Remember: whether it’s a Christmas tree or your backyard giants, every tree tells a story. Let’s make sure it’s a good one.