The History of Artificial Christmas Trees
Believe it or not, artificial Christmas trees have been around for centuries. Germany’s first artificial trees were made from woodwork and feathers during the 19th century. However, artificial trees became more mainstream in the early 20th century. The first artificial trees were made in the United States in the 1930s and were made of brush bristles.
The artificial tree industry took off during the 1950s and 1960s with the introduction of aluminum trees. These shiny, futuristic trees were popular for a time but eventually fell out of favor. Today, artificial trees are made from various materials, including PVC and PE plastics, metals, and even recycled materials.
The Role of Taxes in Artificial Christmas Tree Production
Believe it or not, artificial Christmas trees are subject to taxes. In 1986, the U.S. government implemented a tax on imported artificial trees. This tax was intended to protect American Christmas tree farmers and encourage consumers to buy real trees.
However, the tax had unintended consequences. Many companies simply moved their production overseas to avoid the tax. Today, the tax is still in place but has done little to boost the domestic Christmas tree industry.
The Production of Artificial Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas trees are typically made in factories using various manufacturing techniques. The most common method involves injection molding, where plastic pellets are melted and molded into tree branches. The branches are then attached to a central pole, forming the tree trunk.
Other methods include extrusion, where plastic is forced through a shaped die to create the branches, and hand assembly, where individual branches are attached to a pre-formed trunk. Some companies also use recycled materials in their tree production, including old Christmas trees!
In conclusion, buying an artificial Christmas tree involves more than picking the perfect size and style. Understanding the history of artificial trees, the role of taxes in their production, and how they are made can help you make an informed decision when buying your holiday tree. Whether you prefer a classic PVC tree or a more eco-friendly option, there’s an artificial tree for everyone.