Real vs Artificial – Which Christmas Tree is Best for Me?

The time old debate of real versus artificial Christmas trees wears on, even into 2020. The opinions surrounding the Christmas tree, which ones are better for you, which ones are better for your wallet, and which ones are better for the environment are constantly shifting, which leads us to this topic aptly suited for springtime 2020.

As we sit inside social distancing, there’s nothing wrong with planning for Christmas later this year. Therefore, we’re going to breakdown the real vs. fake Christmas tree debate once and for all. The question is: which tree is best for you?

The First Consideration: The Environment

Even though trees are cut down to be situated as your very own Christmas tree in your living room, it is much better for the environment to get a real tree as opposed to a fake one. Real trees help fight climate change, remediate the plastic waste in landfills when it’s all said and done, and even help to clean the oxygen in your home.

In the U.S. alone, around 10 million artificial Christmas trees are purchased every year. Nearly 90% of them are shipped all the way from China, which increases carbon emissions and resources. Plus, most of them are made from materials that are not recyclable. Not to mention, the tiny plastic particles that can end up in our water supplies and even the ocean.

Why Are Real Trees Better for the Environment?

You are actually still supporting forests when buying a real tree! Of the 350-500 million growing on tree farms across the country, only about 30 million of them are harvested every year at Christmastime. The demand for these real trees keep Christmas tree farms in business, doubling or tripling the amount of naturally occurring trees in our country.

Plus, once the festivities are all done, the trees can be recycled and given a second life. Most states enable you to donate the trees to conservation and habitat projects in local communities.

So yes, you have that right: one of the best ways to conserve trees and forests is to actually engage them and manage them responsibly. Well-maintained forests often store as much carbon as unmanaged forests, making them an innovative tool to fight climate change.

But, if you or someone in your home suffers from severe pine or evergreen tree allergies, then obviously a fake Christmas tree is a must. But, if at all possible, go for the natural tree every time.

Which Is Better For Your Wallet?

Another important consideration is the cost of artificial vs real Christmas trees. Artificial trees cost more than real trees but you have to remember that they last many years. So, over time, it is always cheaper to go with an artificial Christmas tree.

The Convenience vs The Experience

The convenience of having a fake Christmas tree can not be overlooked. Pre-lit artificial trees are big time savers. Just think about the time spent wrapping and unwrapping the Christmas lights each year. Also, there is no need to water and clean up dead pine needles with an artificial tree.

On the other hand, many people enjoy the experience of shopping for a real Christmas tree with the family and picking out the perfect tree. After arriving home, the freshly cut pine and evergreen scent of real Christmas trees enhance the holiday experience for the entire season.

We hope you found this information helpful. After you have decided on which Christmas tree is best for you and your family, don’t forget to browse our large selection of Christmas Ornaments to decorate your tree.