<P> The life cycle of a Christmas tree from the seed to a 2 - metre (7 ft) tree takes, depending on species and treatment in cultivation, between 8 and 12 years . First, the seed is extracted from cones harvested from older trees . These seeds are then usually grown in nurseries and then sold to Christmas tree farms at an age of 3--4 years . The remaining development of the tree greatly depends on the climate, soil quality, as well as the cultivation and how the trees are tended by the Christmas tree farmer . </P> <P> The first artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century, though earlier examples exist . These "trees" were made using goose feathers that were dyed green., as one response by Germans to continued deforestation . Feather Christmas trees ranged widely in size, from a small 2 - inch (51 mm) tree to a large 98 - inch (2,500 mm) tree sold in department stores during the 1920s . Often, the tree branches were tipped with artificial red berries which acted as candle holders . </P> <P> Over the years, other styles of artificial Christmas trees have evolved and become popular . In 1930, the U.S. - based Addis Brush Company created the first artificial Christmas tree made from brush bristles . Another type of artificial tree is the aluminum Christmas tree, first manufactured in Chicago in 1958, and later in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where the majority of the trees were produced . Most modern artificial Christmas trees are made from plastic recycled from used packaging materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Approximately 10% of artificial Christmas trees are using virgin suspension PVC resin; despite being plastic most artificial trees are not recyclable or biodegradable . </P> <P> Other trends have developed in the early 2000s as well . Optical fiber Christmas trees come in two major varieties; one resembles a traditional Christmas tree . One Dallas - based company offers "holographic mylar" trees in many hues . Tree - shaped objects made from such materials as cardboard, glass, ceramic or other materials can be found in use as tabletop decorations . Upside - down artificial Christmas trees became popular for a short time and were originally introduced as a marketing gimmick; they allowed consumers to get closer to ornaments for sale in retail stores and opened up floor space for more products . Artificial trees became increasingly popular during the late 20th century . Users of artificial Christmas trees assert that they are more convenient, and, because they are reusable, much cheaper than their natural alternative . They are also considered much safer as natural trees can be a significant fire hazard . Between 2001 and 2007 artificial Christmas tree sales in the U.S. jumped from 7.3 million to 17.4 million . Currently it is estimated that around 58% of Christmas trees used in the United States are artificial while numbers in the United Kingdom are indicated to be around 66% . </P>

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