Real vs. Artificial: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

When you're making holiday plans, there's more to consider than just what to gift everyone or how to get to your destination. One big question that may be on your mind: Should you opt for a real Christmas tree or go with an artificial one? Both options will sparkle with Christmas lights and decorations, but there are several factors to weigh before making your choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference, but here are some pros and cons to guide your decision. Once you've made up your mind, learn how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro and create your own DIY ornaments.

Fresh Christmas Trees

Foster Family Traditions

Pulling a plastic tree out of storage each year doesn’t quite compare to the experience of visiting a Christmas tree farm or local nursery to pick out a fresh, live tree. For many Christmas celebrants, a real evergreen is not only a festive symbol of the season but also a cherished family tradition that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. In numerous households, having a real tree is a cherished holiday must-have. A 2024 survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board found that 83% of respondents felt that a real tree made their holiday celebrations even more special.

Create Lasting Family Memories

The joy of this tradition extends beyond simply owning a tree; it’s about the adventure of picking it out, too. Heading out for a fun December activity on a crisp day makes it even more memorable. Children will enjoy the experience of helping to pick their favorite tree for the living room, and it becomes a wonderful family outing to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Need help finding a local farm? Check out this site for options.

Enjoy the Fresh Fragrance

The holiday season brings its own collection of seasonal aromas, but the fragrance of fresh pine needles may just be the most enchanting. While you could always light an evergreen-scented candle or set a Douglas fir diffuser on the coffee table, nothing truly compares to the natural, woodsy scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree. According to the Real Christmas Tree Board study, 85% of people said the scent of a real tree adds to their festive atmosphere, while 83% said it helps them unwind.

Easy Recycling

For years, cutting down real Christmas trees was falsely seen as harmful to the environment, but that’s not the full picture. These trees typically spend around eight years growing before being harvested, during which time they produce oxygen and provide shelter for local wildlife. When it’s time to dispose of the tree, a real tree is fully biodegradable and recyclable.

Support Local Businesses

What better way to support small, seasonal businesses than by purchasing a real Christmas tree from a local vendor? While artificial trees are typically mass-produced in large overseas factories and sold by chain stores, a family-owned Christmas tree farm or charming local nursery greatly benefits from your purchase. And if there were no Christmas tree farms, where would all those Hallmark movies take place?

Lower Initial Costs

The cost of a Christmas tree varies depending on factors such as your location, the retailer, and the type of tree you choose. However, it’s a common misconception that artificial trees are always the cheaper option—at least when comparing them directly. According to The National Christmas Tree Association, the average price for a real Christmas tree in 2018 was $78, while the typical cost of a fake tree was $104.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Reusable Year After Year

If your main concern this holiday season is sticking to a budget, opting for a fake tree might make the decision easier. An artificial tree can be used year after year, sparing you the expense of purchasing a real tree annually. If you plan to display it for five or more Christmas seasons, it could end up being the more cost-effective choice. There are also many options available, so you can spend as little or as much as you'd like.

Budget-Friendly

While an artificial tree may come with a higher upfront cost, it can last for many years, giving you a lot of value for your money. "With proper care while in use and during storage, the tree is designed to last for several years," says Jen Derry, Chief of Marketing at Balsam Hill. Plus, artificial trees are available year-round! "Take advantage of pre-holiday sales and avoid shopping during peak demand times," she recommends.

Minimal Upkeep

Yes, real Christmas trees are wonderful—but they do require a lot of care. It's one remarkable houseplant that demands attention every day, and not everyone has the time or energy to maintain it (which is completely understandable). One key reason to choose an artificial tree is to skip the daily tasks of watering, sweeping, trimming, and finding the perfect spot to keep it fresh. Plus, you won't have to drag it to the curb or to a recycling center once the holiday season is over.

Lower Fire Hazards

Many artificial Christmas trees are constructed with fire-resistant materials, making them safer to decorate with lights and providing peace of mind. This is particularly important if you've experienced any fire-related concerns in the past or simply want to avoid potential risks. "Real trees shouldn’t stay up for more than a month as they become brittle, while artificial trees can be kept up for as long as you like without drying out," says Jen Derry. She also advises keeping both real and artificial trees away from heat sources or vents to minimize risk.

Personalize Your Tree

You can’t exactly place an order with Mother Nature for the perfect tree (though many would argue that’s part of the appeal), but with an artificial tree, you have the freedom to customize it to your exact preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the slender shape of a Kingswood fir, the fullness of a Blue spruce, or the rustic charm of a Ponderosa pine, artificial trees come in all varieties—even those not naturally found where you live. You can even get them pre-lit, adorned with pinecones, or dusted with faux snow.

Comes Pre-Lit

Wrapping lights around a Christmas tree can be a challenge, and untangling them year after year often feels impossible. With an artificial tree, you can get one that comes pre-lit, saving you the hassle. Whether you prefer classic white lights, vibrant rainbow hues, or trees with eye-catching special effects, you can find an option that suits your style.

Common Questions

• How can I keep my real tree fresh for longer?

  It’s always disappointing when your tree starts to lose its freshness before Christmas. To keep it looking great, trim the trunk, place it in water, and avoid heat sources. Make sure to water it daily!

  Learn More: How to Keep Your Live Christmas Tree Fresher for Longer
• Are real or artificial trees better for the environment?

  While there’s a lot of discussion on the topic, The Nature Conservancy points out that real Christmas trees offer several environmental advantages: they produce oxygen, don’t emit carbon, and can be recycled.