Compact Wooden Christmas Tree: Pragmatism or a Green Fig Leaf?

Compact Wooden Christmas Tree: Pragmatism or a Green Fig Leaf?

On a windy morning in Palma, the streets still damp from the night rain, it catches the eye: no pine scent, no fir greenery, but neatly sawn wooden rods shaped into a tree. On the Carrer de Sant Miquel, tourists and an older Mallorcan woman pause briefly to discuss the possibilities — the sight fits well in the city apartments around Santa Catalina and the narrow old-town hallways.

The facts: compact, cheap, reusable

The model measures about 1.60 meters and, at roughly 85 centimeters wide, is tailored to small spaces. 23 rotating branches provide variability for decorating, a central metal rod for stability, and the base is made of wood. Price: just under 25 euros. At first glance everything speaks for pragmatism: no annual tree purchase, no needles on the floorboards, no drying out and fire risk from shed foliage — at least not from natural needles.

The key question: is it really more sustainable?

The calculation is unfortunately not that simple. “Reusable” is a good selling point, but sustainability has many facets: the origin of the wood, transport routes, production conditions and ultimately the lifespan. In Palma one hears quiet skepticism: Was the wood harvested with certification? How durable are the joints and coatings? If the tree breaks after two years and ends up in the trash, the environmental benefit quickly disappears.

What rarely appears on the packaging

There is little talk at the market about CO₂ balance or certificates. Many buyers ask about warranty, child-friendly construction or spare parts — information that is often missing at the point of sale. Also taboo: the question of recyclable coatings or adhesives. On Mallorca, where storage space is scarce, there is also the question of how many households actually want to keep such a tree for years.

Practical pros and cons for Mallorcans

Advantages are clear: the wooden tree is easy to assemble, stable enough for apartments with children or pets and fits into smaller rooms. The adjustable branches make decorating easier. Disadvantages: the look is a matter of taste, real spruce or fir greenery is missing, and open candle flames are taboo because of fire risk. Those who value the traditional Christmas aroma must add scents separately with oils or cones.

Concrete opportunities and solutions

Those who value real sustainability can consider the following steps: check origin and certifications when buying (e.g. FSC), prefer local craftsmen and carpenters who offer shorter transport distances and repair options, or choose models with replaceable parts. For the island community, it could be interesting if neighborhoods set up swap exchanges or shared storage garages — that way a tree wouldn’t gather dust in a single household but serve many households in succession.

Everyday tips

Secure it safely in the hallway, use LED string lights instead of incandescent bulbs and take a small storage box that keeps the tree compact. Ideally, combine the wooden tree with natural decor from the island: dried oranges, small pinecones from the last walk or handcrafted ornaments from local workshops. That gives warmth without real needles.

In the end it remains a personal decision: for many city residents in Palma, the wooden tree is a pragmatic, inexpensive alternative that saves space and time. For others it is a compromise — practical, yes, but no substitute for the familiar rustle of real needles. A good middle way could be: buy locally, use consciously and have it repaired. Then the Christmas spirit remains — and the mountain of waste stays small.