Why don't you use artificial wreaths?

There are two reasons why we place wreaths made with live evergreens. The first is for the symbolic reason that we place wreaths in the first place. As an Organization, we consider our Gold Star families (a family who lost a loved one during their time of service) a guiding North Star for our mission and this is what Gold Star Mother Suzanne Brochu told us about the importance of live evergreen tips in honoring her son. For more information on the mission of Wreaths Across America, please go to Our Mission.

The second reason is that, while it might be more economical to buy the wreaths once and reuse them each year, we have actually seen locations pursue this strategy and after a year or two, volunteers stop coming. The essence of the Remember, Honor, and Teach mission is that we take the time during the busiest of seasons. It is not the easiest or most convenient thing to do - but is a small gesture to pay in the context of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.