Celebrate a Green Christmas with Des Moines's 1st sustainable Christmas tree collection
Make this holiday season extra special by choosing a sustainable Christmas tree that not only brings festive joy but also contributes
to a greener planet. Welcome to our one-of-a-kind Christmas tree collection in Des Moines, where eco-consciousness meets holiday cheer!
Brought to you by QstN.
Celebrate a Green Christmas with Des Moines's 1st sustainable Christmas tree collection
What are sustainable Christmas trees?
Sustainable Christmas Trees are living trees that have been planted and grown in pots
As the tree grows, it is placed in a larger pot to contain the larger root system
Our trees have been specifically chosen for use as sustainable Christmas trees due to their ability to thrive in a pot
These healthy pot grown trees are portable and can be used as christmas trees during the short holiday season as an alternative to cutting down a tree.
Sustainable Christmas trees can be used year after year or planted in your backyard for a lifetime of memories and enjoyment
What are sustainable Christmas trees?
Sustainable Christmas Trees are living trees that have been planted and grown in pots
As the tree grows, it is placed in a larger pot to contain the larger root system
Our trees have been specifically chosen for use as sustainable Christmas trees due to their ability to thrive in a pot
These healthy pot grown trees are portable and can be used as christmas trees during the short holiday season as an alternative to cutting down a tree.
Sustainable Christmas trees can be used year after year or planted in your backyard for a lifetime of memories and enjoyment
Why Choose A Sustainable Christmas Tree?
Put Safety First!
With a sustainable tree thriving in its pot, you won't have to worry about it drying out like a traditional cut tree. Traditional cut trees dry out over time and pose an increased fire hazard while properly watered sustainable Christmas trees stay green and safe in their pots, offering peace of mind during the holidays.
Memories that Matter
After the holidays you can choose to keep your tree and plant it in the Spring. Planting your tree isn't just eco-friendly; it's a delightful way to revisit significant moments, such as a newborn's first Christmas, your inaugural holiday in a new home, or any heartwarming gatherings with family and friends.
Environmentally Friendly
Experience the beauty of a live tree without the need to cut one down. Our locally sourced, sustainable options thrive year-round, saving you from disposal hassles and storage woes, all while benefiting our communities.
Clean & Easy
These living potted trees stay sturdy (About 30lbs of jolly goodness!), so there's no risk of your furry friends toppling the holiday cheer. Living trees also stay neat and tidy, so you won't be chasing needles around the house. Plus, no more tree stand hassles!
Why Choose A Sustainable
Christmas Tree?
Christmas Tree?
Show more
Put Safety First!
With a sustainable tree thriving in its pot, you won't have to worry about it drying out like a traditional cut tree. Traditional cut trees dry out over time and pose an increased fire hazard while properly watered sustainable Christmas trees stay green and safe in their pots, offering peace of mind during the holidays.
Memories that Matter
After the holidays you can choose to keep your tree and plant it in the Spring. Planting your tree isn't just eco-friendly; it's a delightful way to revisit significant moments, such as a newborn's first Christmas, your inaugural holiday in a new home, or any heartwarming gatherings with family and friends.
Environmentally Friendly
Experience the beauty of a live tree without the need to cut one down. Our locally sourced, sustainable options thrive year-round, saving you from disposal hassles and storage woes, all while benefiting our communities.
Clean & Easy
These living potted trees stay sturdy (About 30lbs of jolly goodness!), so there's no risk of your furry friends toppling the holiday cheer. Living trees also stay neat and tidy, so you won't be chasing needles around the house. Plus, no more tree stand hassles!
Christmas Trees
Every small tree ordered has a $50 refundable deposit applied to it at checkout
and every tall tree has a $100 refundable deposit applied.
How much space will my tree take up?
If purchasing one of the smaller trees, it will be about 2.5 ft wide. If you opt for a larger tree,
it will take up 3 - 4 ft or more.
Looking for a tree collar to complete your sustainable Christmas tree?
Here are some recommendations from Amazon.
How it works
Foster, water, return.
Ordering your sustainable Christmas tree is as easy as spreading holiday cheer:
Choose your preferred tree type, and place your order through our secure website.
1.
Select
Swing by on your selected pick up date to collect your tree, all spruced up and ready to dazzle your home.
2.
Receive
Pick up at Peace Tree Brewing or have the tree delivered to your home
Address: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Once you've picked up your tree, or it has been delivered to your home, let the decorating begin! Share your festive joy with friends and family, knowing you've made an eco-conscious choice.
3.
Celebrate
Return your tree to Peace Tree on the scheduled drop off date after the holidays so the trees can be reunited back at the tree farm*. We also offer pick up services where we will pick up the tree from your front door and return it for you. Stress and hassle free!
4.
Reunite
Drop off your tree at Peace Tree Brewing or select return delivery
*You can also keep the tree (we keep your deposit).
Living Christmas Trees Now Available throughout the Des Moines Metro!
We try to deliver Christmas spirit and trees throughout the Des Moines metro but sometimes we’re unable to fulfill all the delivery requests. In the event we’re unable to deliver to your location, we will contact you to notify you and determine if there are alternatives for delivering some Christmas spirit.
Watering and care instructions
Approximately 2 gallons (7.5L) given 2-3 times a week.
Some water will seep through into the provided saucer (this is good and is to be expected).
Water it again when the water dries out of the saucer which will likely be every 2-3 days or so depending on the indoor temperature and the amount of direct sunlight.
Trees that are outdoors require less water than those that are indoors. If you decorating an outdoor space with one of our trees you only need to water it with about 3 gallons once a week.
Some water will seep through into the provided saucer (this is good and is to be expected).
Water it again when the water dries out of the saucer which will likely be every 2-3 days or so depending on the indoor temperature and the amount of direct sunlight.
Trees that are outdoors require less water than those that are indoors. If you decorating an outdoor space with one of our trees you only need to water it with about 3 gallons once a week.
Water
Other care instructions:
1. Only use LED lights on the tree.
2. Avoid placing the tree next to heat sources such as a floor vents, fireplace, baseboard radiators, etc.
3. No trimming, cutting, or pruning of the tree.
4. No flock or loose tinsel on the tree.
5. Do not remove the tree from the original pot it comes in but feel free to decorate or wrap the pot with some holiday magic.
2. Avoid placing the tree next to heat sources such as a floor vents, fireplace, baseboard radiators, etc.
3. No trimming, cutting, or pruning of the tree.
4. No flock or loose tinsel on the tree.
5. Do not remove the tree from the original pot it comes in but feel free to decorate or wrap the pot with some holiday magic.
FAQ
QstN is an organization that exists to create a more sustainable future. Our team has been in operation since 2018 and we have offices in Des Moines, Iowa and Madison, Wisconsin.
We offer the following products and services:
- Sustainable (i.e., potted) Christmas trees
- Energy consulting (e.g., energy assessments, etc.)
- Design and implementation of utility-hosted energy efficiency programs
- Solar consulting, design, and installation
QstN stands for "question." Our approach is predicated upon questioning convention. Many assume that the world "just is what it is." It takes intention to move past that assumption and to embrace the world. At QstN, we believe that advancement in our world requires change, and change requires questioning our convention.
QstN is located at 500 Locust St, Des Moines. We also have an office location in Madison Wisconsin.
QstN exists to create a more sustainable future. Trees recycle our air by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. By celebrating the holidays with a potted Christmas tree rather than one that is cut down or shipped from overseas, we are together contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.
Potted Christmas trees align with our other products and services in that they also support a more sustainable future for our planet.
When you order a tree from us, you become a proud tree foster parent for the holiday season. Fostering involves decorating and delighting in your tree while also providing it with the TLC it needs, following our watering guidelines in the "Care & Maintenance" section. After the holiday season, you have the option to purchase your tree and plant it in your very own winter wonderland or return it to us for future years of festive joy.
Absolutely! You'll have the pleasure of hand-picking your favorite from a delightful selection of Black Hills Spruce or Norway Spruce trees that we'll have ready at Peace Tree. When you place your order online, we'll know how many of each variety to bring to spread the holiday cheer.
While we handpick a tree with love and care for you if you choose delivery, you won't get to choose a specific one. Rest assured, we'll deliver a tree full of holiday magic right to your front door.
We're here to make your tree adoption extra special. If you have specific requests, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at jjohnson@q-dsm.com, and we'll work our festive magic.
Currently, we don't offer ornament or light rentals. However, you can check out our partner, Tru-Tone, for enchanting LED lights.
Life happens, and plans may change. If you need to cancel an order, please send us an email at jjohnson@q-dsm.com, and we'll assist you with the process.
No need to wait for Santa! We started accepting orders in September. But hey, if you're itching for some tree talk year round, feel free to drop us a line anytime. We're here for your year-round tree cravings!
Of course! You can totally mix and match your tree choices. Whether you're into a tree variety mashup or going all-in on one style, the choice is yours.
Absolutely! Rather than parting ways with your tree after the festivities and reclaiming a deposit, why not plant it in your backyard? This way, you can savor the holiday spirit year-round and create lasting memories right at home. If you’d like to keep your tree we will keep your deposit to cover the additional cost of the tree.
Nature loves to keep us guessing, so each tree is its own work of art. Think of it like a snowflake – no two are exactly the same. But trust us, we hand-trim every tree to look its absolute best!
We start at the tippy-top and measure down to the pot's base. Yep, even the pot counts in the height game, usually around 14 to 16 inches. This way, you can picture how tall your tree will be living in your home.
Give us a shout! We're like the tree whisperers. If you notice something funky, we'll help you get it sorted and your tree back to its radiant self. Please contact us at jjohnson@q-dsm.com
Tending to your living Christmas tree is as heartwarming as the season itself. Here are some magical tips to keep your tree thriving throughout the holidays:
Watering: Your tree's favorite dose of cheer is about 2 gallons (7.5L) of water, given 2-3 times a week. Don't worry if some water dances down into the provided saucer—it's all part of the process. Keep an eye on the saucer, and when it's thirsty (usually every 2-3 days), water it again. The timing may vary with your indoor temperature and the sunlight's warm embrace.
Additional Enchantment:
With these tips, your living Christmas tree will be the star of the season, spreading joy and enchantment throughout your home.
Watering: Your tree's favorite dose of cheer is about 2 gallons (7.5L) of water, given 2-3 times a week. Don't worry if some water dances down into the provided saucer—it's all part of the process. Keep an eye on the saucer, and when it's thirsty (usually every 2-3 days), water it again. The timing may vary with your indoor temperature and the sunlight's warm embrace.
Additional Enchantment:
- LED Lights Only: Illuminate your tree with the energy-efficient twinkle of LED lights. It's a modern touch that makes your tree sparkle with extra magic.
- Cozy Placement: Nestle your tree in a spot away from heat sources like floor vents, fireplaces, or baseboard radiators. Let your tree bask in the cozy ambiance without getting too toasty.
- Natural Beauty: Your tree is perfect as it is—no need for trimming, cutting, or pruning. Embrace its natural elegance.
- Flock-Free Zone: Skip the flock and loose tinsel. Let your tree's lush, green branches shine through like fresh snow on Christmas morning.
- Pot Perfection: Your tree's home is the original pot it arrived in. But don't hesitate to sprinkle some holiday magic by decorating or wrapping the pot. It's all part of the festive fun!
With these tips, your living Christmas tree will be the star of the season, spreading joy and enchantment throughout your home.
Nah, our trees are like art installations – what you see is what you get. No trimming or pot-switching allowed!
Go wild with your ornaments! But when it comes to lights, stick with LED. Those old-school hot lights can be tree-torture. No Grinchy behavior here!
If you’re interested in old-school lights that are LED, check out our friends at Tru-Tone. If they’re sold out, just send us an email and we might be able to help!
If you’re interested in old-school lights that are LED, check out our friends at Tru-Tone. If they’re sold out, just send us an email and we might be able to help!
Our trees breathe through their needles, so flocking's a no-no. And loose tinsel? It's not wildlife-friendly, so let's keep it natural and festive (rope tinsel that is easily removed is fine!)
If possible, give your tree some natural light! However, keep it away from heaters and fireplaces. Your tree deserves to shine without breaking a sweat.
Absolutely! Decorate away, but keep the soil accessible for watering. Just protect your floors with a little plastic love.
Of course, that’s where it came from. Just remember you’ll still need to water it regularly and follow our care guidelines.
Give us a shout! We're like the tree whisperers. If you notice something funky, we'll help you get it sorted and your tree back to its radiant self. Reach us at jjohnson@q-dsm.com
If you are expecting that there will be extended periods of time throughout the holidays where you’re unable to provide water to the tree then adopting a tree may not be the best option for you. If you’re leaving town for the holidays but want to adopt a tree for the month of December before you leave just let us know and we may be able to make special arrangements to pick up the tree before you leave!
At checkout, you'll be asked to select your preferred delivery or pickup date. If you have any questions or need more details, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Absolutely! We're here to make your holiday season hassle-free and full of merriment.
If you're eager to welcome the holiday spirit before the last week of November, reach out to us, and we'll see if we can perform a Christmas miracle for you.
While we can't guarantee a precise time, you can choose from our available delivery dates during checkout. On the day of delivery, we'll send you a notification before your tree arrives.
Yes, indeed! You can rent a tree and collect it from Peace Tree on your designated pickup date.
317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309.
317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Certainly! If you have gate codes or any other important details for delivery, simply leave them in the comment box during checkout.
Our cheerful delivery team will place your tree in the driveway, on the front porch, or near the front door. We'll use our holiday spirit and judgment to find the perfect spot for your tree.
Regrettably, we don't offer in-home delivery at this time. However, if you have unique circumstances that prevent you from having a holiday tree, please reach out to us, jjohnson@q-dsm.com
While we can deliver to the ground floor if someone meets us, we won't be able to go up to the second floor or higher.
You'll receive a message when we're en route to your home on your delivery date. You don't have to be home to receive your tree, but keep in mind that we'll leave it next to your front door, on the front porch, or in the driveway.
To prepare for tree pickup, make sure to remove all ornaments and lights. Then, place your tree outside by your front door or in your driveway for a smooth return pickup. Let's keep the holiday spirit alive!
Unlike normal Christmas trees you cannot transport the trees on top of a vehicle. We recommend putting the tree inside your car, pickup bed, or trunk. If you're in walking distance you can borrow one of our hand trucks. Or opt for delivery!
There is a $50 deposit per tree ordered. This deposit helps us recoup any costs that may be lost in the event a tree is returned damaged or dying. If your tree is happy and healthy upon return, you will receive your deposit back after the tree has been checked back into the tree farm.
$50 per tree is held while fostering the tree and will be returned after your healthy tree has been returned.
If you follow our watering and care instructions while fostering your tree you should be good! Our trees are pretty easy house guests but if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at jjohnson@q-dsm.com
If your tree is returned damaged, dried out, or dying for any reason your deposit may be held to cover these damages.
We will have all trees checked in and back to the nursery by the end of the first week in January. All deposits will be processed at that time and you should receive them back by the end of the second week of January.
Absolutely! If you’d like to adopt your tree and keep it after the holidays you can certainly do so. Rather than returning the tree on the designated return date at Peace Tree you can simply keep the tree and we’ll keep your deposit. The initial order price plus the deposit price for the tree is actually cheaper than the price you would pay when purchasing the tree at the nursery in the spring. This can be a great option if you’re already looking to plant trees in the spring, plus you’ll have some extra special holiday memories with our trees.
Yes, our trees are sold at higher prices in the spring which makes keeping them from December until spring a cheaper option.
You can keep your tree alive by keeping it in a cool location, such as a garage, and continuing to water it regularly. If you want to place your tree back outside in its pot after the holidays, you’ll need to slowly acclimate it back to the cold temperatures and will need to keep it in a cooler area, such as a garage or shed (while continuing to water it), for about a week before placing back into the cold Iowa outdoors. Once the ground warms up enough, you can plant it in the ground. If you have specific questions, reach out to our partners at Bentley Ridge Tree Farm in Grimes.
Yes, if you’d like to fully purchase your tree (we keep the deposit), we can then take care of having the tree planted within the Des Moines metro in the spring. We’ll even send you a follow up email once it’s planted!
That’s fine! If you want to keep your tree we will keep your deposit and the tree is yours- easy peasy.
Feel like you're ready to unwrap the holiday
magic? We're here to make it merry,
from order to tree stardom!
Join Us in Making a Difference
This holiday season, let's celebrate in a way that supports both our planet and our community.
By choosing one of our sustainable Christmas trees, you're not only bringing joy into your home but also contributing to a greener future for Des Moines and beyond.
Make this Christmas memorable and sustainable. Order your tree today!
At QstN we're driving sustainability through questioning convention. Progress requires change. Change requires questioning convention. Questioning convention is hard. We specialize in breaking conventional approaches and work with our clients to change with change.
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