Real vs Fake Christmas Trees: Pros and Cons

If you are still debating whether or not to get a real or faux Christmas tree this year, we have laid out the pros and cons of both to make the decision a little easier.

The benefits of real trees

• That fresh pine smell! One of the biggest reasons people choose real Christmas trees, is to fill their home with that fresh scent of the great outdoors.
• Contrary to popular belief, cutting down Christmas trees is actually not harmful to the environment because they are grown specifically for that purpose, on dedicated tree farms. In fact, Christmas tree farms actually make for a great home for local wildlife.
• Real trees can be composted and recycled after use.

The downsides to real trees

• Those pine needles falling all over the floor means extra work during the holidays to keep the area clean.
• A real Christmas tree needs to be watered, constantly. If you forget to water it, you could have a very dry tree that makes for a big fire hazard. If you aren’t going to be around a lot of the holiday season, this may not be the choice for you.

The benefits to fake trees

• Low maintenance! Fake trees can be setup quickly and easily and oftentimes come pre-lit, saving you lots of time on decorating.
• You never have to water or clean up after a fake tree.

The downsides to fake trees 

• Because of the toxic materials that fake trees are usually made from, it would take many years of using your fake tree in order for it to be an environmentally sound purchase. In fact, this study claims fake trees need 22 years of usage before they are as eco-friendly as buying a real tree.
• You cannot recycle a fake tree, so be prepared to reuse it for many years.

What kind of tree do you usually opt for, and where do you get it from? We would love to hear your feedback on social media!