Fluther: Why does my Christmas tree seem to breathe?

Why does my Christmas tree seem to breathe?

Asked by syz (35938

) December 7th, 2009
20 responses
“Great Question” (14

)

We’ve both noticed it – we’ll be sitting on the couch, watching a movie, and there’s a sudden, noticeable wave of scent from the frasier fir. It’s not related to air flow, or the heat cutting on, and we both notice it at the same time. We usually look at each other and say that the tree just ‘breathed’. Any idea why this would happen?

Follow this question

Send to a friend!

Topics: horticulture, scents, chemistry

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

Answers

I’m not sure what’s really going on, but that is a lovely, poetic way of thinking about it.

dpworkin (27085

)“Great Answer” (3

)

This question made me smile.

Jude (32198

)“Great Answer” (3

)

I love you.
I wish I had a live Christmas tree now.

rangerr (15765

)“Great Answer” (3

)

I have clue but that’s pretty cool!

loser (15032

)“Great Answer” (2

)

I also do not know why your tree is breathing, but I am very jealous about it. Maybe it is still settling.

jamielynn2328 (4737

)“Great Answer” (1

)

Are your animals participating in ~~hi-jinks~~ activities on the other side of the tree that have them brushing against the branches?

gailcalled (54644

)“Great Answer” (0

)

I know exactly what you are talking about. It is beautiful and relaxing. Cool and fragrant. I hope someone can tell us how it does it.

(Now I sadly gaze at the fake tree in our living room realizing what I am really missing.)

Dog (25152

)“Great Answer” (1

)

Maybe it’s a ghost and you smell pine as it moves past the tree. Oooh…spooky…

tinyfaery (44083

)“Great Answer” (1

)

that’s pretty awesome I have not had a live Christmas tree since i was a young child i remember those smells it brings back good memories….. but i do believe in fake tree’s because of environmental reasons “save the tree’s” and fake one’s can be recycled

master_mind413 (891

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Tree’s can be grewn.

dpworkin (27085

)“Great Answer” (3

)

tree’s are living things also and I dont believe in farming for profit personal and religious reasoning

master_mind413 (891

)“Great Answer” (0

)

@master_mind413: So you would never give or accept a bouquet of flowers? That’s cold.

La_chica_gomela (12574

)“Great Answer” (1

)

Pretty much whats the point in killing a life just to hand over death to some one else ?

no on a serious note my belief is simple, if you personally grow the flowers yourself you treat it with respect with love you water it you raise its is “personal”

now if your mass grown with 750000 others your sprayed with poisons kicked around then ripped out of the ground and shipped off life is life no matter how you look at it it should be treated with respect

master_mind413 (891

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Oh, so it’s okay to kill things if you gave them life first? I see.

La_chica_gomela (12574

)“Great Answer” (2

)

Oy vey. @master mind413, I don’t spot a period in that entire post. You may want to edit.

Jude (32198

)“Great Answer” (0

)

it is a give and take relationship the very reason the world is in such turmoil is because humans have lost that in there principle belief system every thing need’s balance

master_mind413 (891

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Interesting question. I researched a bit this morning and it’s from the decomposition (drying out really) of the needles and release of resin. In a warm, dry environment (whether in direct heat or not) the tree releases scent in it’s gasses from decomposition and is spread through tree gassing.

This runs in a cycle it seems. I’ve had a horrid time trying to figure out the cycle, buildup and details regarding tree decomp. I’ll keep looking and edit if I can.

gemiwing (14718

)“Great Answer” (4

)