Our certification mark – Your guide to verified cultivation and quality standards
Natural tree endorsement for responsibly planted Christmas trees
In cooperation with an independent certification body, the Verband natürlicher Weihnachtsbaum e.V. has developed a quality certification mark that identifies Christmas trees grown in accordance with defined environmental and social standards.
With this certification mark, the Association introduced additional requirements in the areas of biodiversity, energy consumption, traceability, and occupational health and safety. Although many family businesses have already been observing the above-mentioned aspects of their own accord, they can now for the first time be verified in accordance with Europe-wide standards. Once successfully certified, the company is awarded the independent natural tree quality seal. In doing so, growers are responding to the wishes of many customers who are seeking greater transparency and who value clearly defined cultivation standards and independent inspections.
The most important criteria
- Biodiversity
- Environmental protection
- Conservation of resources
- Traceability back to the seeds
- Social criteria
If you see this certification mark at a DIY store, garden centre, or Christmas tree sales stand, you can be confident that the Christmas trees have been grown in accordance with defined certification criteria and that compliance with these criteria has been independently verified.
Eco-friendly cultivation with requirements far above the statutory standards
A fundamental condition for producers to certify their trees with the natural tree quality label is a valid GLOBAL G.A.P.– or PEFC certificate. Additional requirements above these minimum levels must be compiled with:
For example, a new tree must be planted for every tree cut down. In addition, the holders of certificates must ensure there is greater biodiversity by planting wildflower strips to counter insects dying.
Further measures ensure there is lower energy consumption when caring for trees and felling them, which has a positive influence on greenhouse gas emissions in favour of climate protection. Social criteria such as training courses and a good standard of accommodation for the workers helping to cut down the trees complete the comprehensive criteria for the quality seal.
In total 23 check-points must be implemented. Producers undertake to comply with the measures and are randomly monitored on the basis of a standard list of points by independent testing institutions.
Wildflower strips and a variety of vegetation offer insects an ideal habitat, which in turn attracts rare species of birds to locate their breeding grounds in the plantations.
The logos are available for download here:
