An Alternative Tree This Christmas

Tired of dragging out your old plastic Christmas tree from the year before, or spend months after Christmas picking up pine needles from a real one? This year, how about doing something a little different?

With over 1,700 native tree species, hundreds of talented artisans and literally millions of DIY Christmas tree suggestions on the internet, why not take the plunge and buck the trend by having an alternative Christmas tree?

#1) The Wire Baobab

Let’s face it there is no tree more iconic of Africa than the Baobab, so why not make it your Christmas tree? Thanks to the wire bending skills of numerous local artists, wire Baobabs aren’t too difficult to come by. They are also sculpturally beautiful so can remain a permanent feature the whole year round, meaning only the baubles need packing away! Those looking for a small version perfect for any Christmas table or side board should head down to the carpark of the large Pick n Pay centre in Nelspruit, for larger one’s check out Pilgrims Rest.

#2) An Endemic Idol

Every year two trees, one common the other rare, are given the title of Tree of the Year. Rather than opting for a non-native pine this Christmas, why not celebrate with a South African species? This year it is the Lavender Tree (Heteropyxis) and the White Ironwood (Vepris lanceolata). Tree of the Year saplings can be bought at most nurseries and will happily remain in a festive pot indoors, or on a stoep for the duration of Christmas as long as they get enough sunlight and water. After that, you can plant them outdoors and leave a lasting Christmas legacy to South Africa’s indigenous species.

#3) The DIY Tree

With Pinterest, Instagram and Google awash with festive alternatives, you might be overwhelmed by potential DIY Tree projects! Our favourite is the simple but incredibly effective drift wood and fishing line tree. Simply find some great gnarled bits of dead wood in various lengths, arrange on the floor with the smallest on the top and largest at the bottom (looking like a Christmas tree triangle of sorts). Attach each to the one above using strong clear fishing line. Then attach to your ceiling using a hook and decorate to your hearts content.

#4) The Ladder Tree

Oozing vintage charm the old wooden ladder tree is a firm favourite with designer show homes and trendy interior décor shops alike. They are the perfect shape for substitute Christmas trees. Simply open it up in your ideal spot. Add a couple of wooden planks across the rungs if you want to stand additional ornaments. Then hang lights, baubles and ribbons until you have achieved your look.

#5) The Outdoor Alternative

In South Africa most of us are lucky enough to have great trees in our own backyards. So why are we bringing fake plastic ones into our lives? This year, rather than spending hours putting up your plastic tree, why not decorate the one outside your window? If you are going to use lights make sure they are safe to use outside, and let your imagination run wild as you decorate it.