Artificial vs. Real Christmas Tree: The Pros and Cons

The holiday season is here! As we unpack our stored decorations and begin to “deck-the-halls” for the upcoming festivities, the main showpiece for many homes tends to be the Christmas tree.

Before the creation of the Christian holiday, “Christmas,” trees and evergreen plants were used for many seasonal celebrations. Many believed evergreen repelled evil spirits and sickness. Moving forward to 16^th century Germany, people would build wooden, pyramid shaped like trees covered in evergreen plants or bring decorated trees into their homes in celebration of the holiday. Even in the past, some individuals preferred artificial trees.

At the start of the early 20^th century, the artificial Christmas tree began to grow in popularity. Today, the percentage of homes with real versus artificial trees is about 50/50.  The debate between real versus artificial Christmas trees is a tough one, and everyone has their own reasons for their tree of choice. We laid out some of the pros and cons of each, to make it easier for you when deciding on a tree this year!
 

Pros of a Real Christmas Tree:

Picking out your annual Christmas tree makes for a great family tradition. Getting the family bundled up, trudging through the snow, finding your perfect Christmas trophy.  Not only will it fill your home with that nostalgic holiday scent, but it is also the best option for the environment. Real trees are biodegradable, meaning they will leave no waste and return to the earth.  Another positive feature to note about purchasing your unique, annual tree from a local tree farm is that you’re supporting a local business!

Cons of a Real Christmas Tree

Real trees require daily maintenance, like watering and cleaning the mess of fallen needles on the floor. If you have pets or small children who like to touch the tree, this will likely lead to more loss of needles as the days go by. If you’re seeking a perfectly shaped tree, a real tree might not be your dream showpiece, as their shape is unique and can require trimming or viewing from certain angles. Unlike faux-trees, real trees have a cost each year, which can exceed the price of a faux tree over time. Real trees also open your door to unwanted bugs and critters that may have made a home in your tree before you chose it for your living room. But most importantly, if not properly watered, real trees in your home can be extremely flammable.

Pros of an Artificial Tree

If your color palate agrees more with a white or silver tree, then a faux tree might be for you! Artificial Christmas trees come in a variety of styles, colors and designs perfect for any home. Aside from the lack of maintenance, watering and pruning, artificial trees are easy to put up and take down to store each year. Many artificial trees also come pre-lit, which will save you time and the aggravation of fighting with strings of lights. Artificial trees mitigate the need to spend money on a new tree each year and are generally safer in that they are fire retardant.

Cons of an Artificial Tree

To some, the difference between a real and faux tree is simple, there is nothing quite like a real Christmas tree. Missing the scent, quirks, and fun of choosing a tree can be considered cons to owning an artificial tree. Artificial trees must be stored year-round, so having ample space to do so is needed. Unlike real trees, faux trees produce a large carbon footprint and cannot be recycled once they’re worn out.

After purchasing your Christmas tree, whether it’s real or artifical, always ensure that you are transporting your tree to its destination safely. For more information on transporting your tree, click here.  

We understand that making the decision can be difficult but hope that this pros and cons comparison can help you and your family decide on the perfect tree. After purchasing your Christmas tree, whether it’s real or fake, always ensure that you are transporting your tree to its destination safely and once there, place it away from heating elements and electrical cords to prevent a potential fire. For tips on safe holiday lighting, click the link below.