Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Should You Choose?

It's that time of year again! The holiday season is approaching and you're looking for some festive Christmas decorations to spruce up your space. No Christmas is complete without a Christmas tree, but which is better: A real Christmas tree or an artificial one?

In this guide, we'll look at the pros and cons of these types of trees and see which could be best suited for you.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees are synthetic, man-made trees designed to replicate the appearance of real evergreen trees traditionally used for Christmas celebrations. They come in various sizes, colours, and styles, making them much more diverse than real Christmas trees.

Pros of artificial Christmas trees

Easy maintenance	Artificial trees require minimal upkeep compared to real trees that need regular watering to stay fresh; an artificial tree, on the other hand, does not require any water. You'll also find that artificial trees do not shed needles, which minimises the cleanup effort when taking down your decorations.
Durability	Artificial trees are designed to last for many, many years, making them a long-term investment. They won't wither or shed needles, ensuring a consistently full and attractive appearance throughout the holiday season.
Choices	There are various options in terms of size, colour, and style. You can choose the height that fits your space, select from different lighting options (i.e. pre-lit Christmas trees), and even find trees with different branch styles, like snowy Christmas trees, to suit your aesthetic.
Cost-effective	While the upfront cost of an artificial tree may be higher than that of a real tree, the long-term cost can be lower. Since artificial trees can be reused for multiple years, you save money by not having to purchase a new tree each season. Looking for more ideas on how to save money at Christmas? We’ve got a whole blog to help you out!

Cons of artificial Christmas trees

Storage	Artificial trees require storage space during the off-season. Depending on the size and design, they can take up a significant amount of room in your home or storage area. However, we have a selection of Christmas tree storage bags that make storage a breeze.
Environmental impact	Most artificial trees are made from non-biodegradable materials, such as PVC or other plastics. However, if used for several years, the overall carbon footprint of an artificial tree can be lower than that of purchasing a real tree annually, and it means no trees get cut down! Having an artificial tree from a reputable supplier is a great sustainable Christmas idea.
No natural smell	One of the appeals of real trees is the natural scent they emit, which can create a festive ambience. Artificial trees do not have the same characteristic scent of fresh evergreens, which could alter your Christmas experience slightly. As a result, some people may prefer a real tree's authentic look, feel and smell. Alternatively, you can buy Christmas tree-scented items to hang on your tree, or you can get the same effect with room sprays or pot pourri.
Assembly and disassembly	While artificial trees are designed for easy setup, the process of assembling and disassembling the tree can still be time-consuming, especially for larger or more intricate models.

Real Christmas Trees

Real Christmas trees are natural, living trees that are harvested and used specifically for Christmas celebrations. Embracing a real Christmas tree means you can have the thrill of going out and searching for the perfect tree with your family. But what are the pros and cons of these trees?

Pros of real Christmas trees

Authenticity	Real trees have a natural beauty and authenticity that many people appreciate. They come in various species, such as pine, fir, or spruce, each with a unique appearance, scent, and needle structure. The sight and fragrance of a real tree can also contribute to the traditional holiday atmosphere.
Supporting local businesses	Buying a real Christmas tree helps to support local tree farms and the local economy. These tree farms usually use ecologically-friendly techniques, so buying from them will actively support local Christmas tree farms.
Eco-friendly	Real trees are a renewable resource. They are grown specifically for the purpose of harvesting, and for every tree cut down, one or more new trees are planted in their place. Tree farms also contribute to the preservation of green spaces, wildlife habitats, and carbon dioxide absorption. Once the festive season is over, you can easily use these trees for mulch or composting which can be great for the environment.

Cons of real Christmas trees

Maintenance	Real trees require more maintenance than artificial trees. They need regular watering to keep them hydrated and prevent them from drying out. You must ensure that the tree stand has sufficient water to avoid the risk of the tree drying up and becoming a fire hazard.
Safety concerns	They also drop their needles, which can be a nightmare for cleaning up - and for keeping pets and small children safe.
Delivery issues	The majority of real trees are bought direct from tree farms, chopped down on-site, with you taking them home yourself. For those without a car, this isn’t the easiest job. And if you have limited mobility or are disabled, a near-impossible task.
Lifespan	Real trees have a limited lifespan. They are going to dry up and lose their needles. This means you must replace it every year, which can leave a dent in your wallet every time!
Allergies	Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the smell and pollen of real trees. Allergens like mildew, dust, and tree sap can cause allergic reactions. It's important to consider any potential allergies or respiratory issues before choosing a real tree.
Cost	Real trees typically come with an annual cost as you need to purchase a new tree each year. The price can vary depending on the species, size, and local availability.
Environmental impact	While real trees are a renewable resource, their production and transportation still have some environmental impact, including the use of water, pesticides, and fuel for transportation. Proper disposal or recycling of the tree after the holiday season is also important to minimise environmental impact.

Factors to consider when choosing the best Christmas tree for you

Ultimately, deciding to have a real or artificial Christmas tree depends on personal preferences, traditions, and considerations such as aesthetics, environmental impact, maintenance effort, and budget. Let's look at some of these factors a little more closely:

Budget

Another important factor to consider is your budget. Real trees are usually a yearly expense, whereas artificial trees have a higher initial cost but can be used for many years. Analyse your financial limits and evaluate long-term expenditures against immediate expenses to find the best choice for your family.

Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle when deciding between a real or artificial Christmas tree. Real trees need frequent maintenance, such as watering and cleaning, which can be inconvenient, but artificial trees are a lot more convenient and easy to set up. This makes them better for people with limited time or certain lifestyle demands.

Sustainability

When choosing a Christmas tree, environmental sustainability has become more and more important. Real trees bought from sustainable tree farms get recycled properly. This makes it a more environmentally conscious choice - but only if you remember to cart the tree back to the supplier.

However, artificial trees can also be sustainable due to their reusability and lower demand for new tree harvesting.

Aesthetic

Consider the aesthetic appeal you want for your own tree. Real trees have natural flaws and an enticing smell, while artificial trees are available in various forms. This makes it easier to pick one that exactly matches your intended aesthetic.

If you'd like the natural beauty and smell of a real tree, then this can be great for traditional holiday decor. But, artificial trees can also come with other features like lights and faux snow, as well as various colours. Consider your family's traditions and your overall Christmas aesthetic before purchasing any trees. If you’re in doubt about what style Christmas tree to buy, you’re in luck - we’ve got a whole guide to help you out.

Choose the best tree for your home this Christmas

While there are advantages to buying a real tree, many of these features can now be recreated with artificial trees. With the availability of scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, and room sprays, you can experience the same 'fresh Christmas tree' smell even if you choose an artificial tree.

Setting up and decorating an artificial tree is a fun and memorable experience with your family, complete with colourful Christmas tree decorations, like baubles and shimmering Christmas tree lights.

If you find yourself struggling to decide between a real vs artificial Christmas tree, at Christmas Tree World, we offer a wide range of delightful designs, like dazzling snowy Christmas trees and dazzling pre-lit options.

Explore the full collection at our online Christmas tree shop today and find the perfect artificial tree to match your holiday spirit.

FAQs

Are artificial Christmas trees cheaper after Christmas?

Yes, artificial Christmas trees often go on sale after the Christmas season and can become much cheaper. Many retailers offer discounts and clearance sales on artificial trees as they try to clear out their remaining inventory.

Are artificial Christmas trees safe?

Yes, artificial Christmas trees are considered completely safe when used and maintained properly. However, it's important to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.