Real vs. Artifical Christmas Trees: Weighing the Pros and Cons

As the holiday season creeps slowly toward us, one of the age-old debates resurfaces: should you opt for a real Christmas tree or a fake one? Both choices have their merits and drawbacks, and deciding between them can be a matter of personal preference. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're drawn to the charm and fragrance of a real tree or the convenience and longevity of an artificial one, read on to discover the factors to consider when choosing your perfect Christmas centerpiece.

Real Christmas Trees

Pros:

1. Authenticity and Aesthetic Appeal: Real Christmas trees exude a natural beauty and rustic charm that is hard to replicate. The unique shape, texture, and fragrance of fresh pine needles bring an unmistakable sense of the holiday spirit into your home.

2. Tradition and Experience: For many, the process of selecting and cutting down a real tree is a cherished family tradition. The experience of venturing to a local tree farm, choosing the perfect tree, and bringing it home creates lasting memories.

3. Environmental Benefits: Real trees are a renewable resource, and many Christmas tree farms engage in sustainable practices. Additionally, they can be recycled into mulch or used for other purposes after the holiday season.

Cons:

1. Maintenance and Cleanup: Real trees require regular watering to keep them fresh and prevent needle drop. They can also leave behind a mess of fallen needles that need to be swept or vacuumed.

2. Cost and Availability: Real trees tend to be more expensive than their artificial counterparts. Furthermore, finding the perfect tree may be challenging, especially if you live in an area with limited tree farms or face logistical constraints.

Fake Christmas Trees

Pros:

1. Convenience and Longevity: Artificial trees are hassle-free, requiring no maintenance or watering. They can be reused year after year, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

2. Allergen-Free: For individuals with allergies or sensitivities to pollen, mold, or pine scent, a fake tree provides a hypoallergenic alternative that eliminates potential health concerns.

3. Design and Customization: Artificial trees offer a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles to suit any taste or décor. They can be pre-lit, saving time on stringing lights, and often come with features like adjustable branches for easy ornament placement.

Cons:

1. Lack of Authenticity: Despite advancements in manufacturing, artificial trees may still lack the natural beauty and fragrance of real trees, which can diminish the overall ambiance of the holiday season.

2. Environmental Impact: Most artificial trees are made from non-biodegradable materials, such as PVC, and their production involves energy-intensive processes. However, the longer lifespan of artificial trees can mitigate their environmental impact to some extent.

3. Storage Space: Storing an artificial tree can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space in your home. The bulkiness and size of the tree may require dedicated storage solutions.

 

Choosing between a real Christmas tree and a fake one ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities. Whether you value the authenticity and fragrance of a real tree or prioritize the convenience and longevity of an artificial one, both options can create a festive and memorable holiday atmosphere. Whichever option is best for you everyone agrees that Old World Christmas makes the best ornaments to decorate both real and fake Christmas trees. 

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Written by

Rachael Mitchell

Rachael Mitchell is a freelance writer based in Seattle, Washington, and has over 15 years of writing experience. She’d never be able to pick just one favorite ornament, but narrowed it down to the S’more and Tennis Ball. She always looks forward to s’mores in the summer with friends and family adding gourmet ingredients, and played 4 years of college tennis in the mid-west.

1 comment

I have 5 full size 7.5’ artificial trees, each with 1000 multi LEDs, that stay up year round, but undecorated March-October. They are very realistic “Just Cut” trees with outer branches created from molds of real branches, and all three are in rotators that facilitate decorating. I find them easier to decorate because of the adjustability of every branch. Three trees are mostly Old World, and two are Golden Bell from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. I have an enormous glass ornament collection.

Gerry Grzyb

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