Real vs. Fake Christmas Tree: Which Is Best?

With the holidays fast approaching, many people will begin their Christmas preparations in the coming weeks. At this time of year, the age-old debate about whether real or fake Christmas trees are better tends to resurface! Both have pros and cons; what's best for you might look different than for someone else. For some, the environmental impact is what determines their decision, while others prioritize cost or ease of maintenance. While it's doubtful that there will ever be a clear consensus on the best option, we're hopeful we can make your decision-making process a little easier with these side-by-side comparisons.

What's the difference?

First and foremost, it goes without saying that natural and artificial trees are completely different. As such, it's essential to see how they fare against each other in several categories.

For the purpose of this article, we're going to examine them in terms of price, maintenance, assembly, environmental impact, and disposal.

Price

Real: The size of the tree you purchase will naturally determine how much you'll pay, but in general, real trees average at around $80 to $100 apiece. When you opt for a real tree, you'll incur a cost annually. This can vary substantially due to factors like inflation and changes in the cost of living, making it difficult to predict how much you'll need to budget each year.

Fake: Much like with real trees, the cost of artificial alternatives isn't set in stone. The size, quality, and lifespan will impact the price tag, but you can find a mid-range, six-foot tree for about $100. That said, you'll see plenty on the market for less than $50 and some for almost $1,000. Provided you take good care of your tree, it can withstand years of use, with many lasting between 10 and 20 years. 

Verdict: Fake trees, by nature, are designed for long-term use, making them a much more wallet-friendly option.

Maintenance

Real: As with any plant, real trees require care and upkeep. You'll need to be prepared to water it frequently, clean up any fallen needles, and moderate the temperature in your home. While these tasks aren't typically too time-consuming, it's something to keep in mind if you're thinking of buying a natural tree for the first time.

Fake: For many people, the convenience and lack of maintenance that fake trees offer are what motivates them to purchase them in the first place. Once they're set up, they usually don't need much work to keep them in shape. That said, if you're hoping to keep your tree for the long haul, you must be cautious about storing it correctly and carefully.

Verdict: Both call for some level of maintenance, but for the most part, fake trees will be the least demanding.

Assembly

Real: Live trees must be set up in a way that makes them easy to water and clean. Aside from that, assembling them takes minimal effort unless you find that you need to cut back some of the branches before adding your lights and decorations. 

Fake: Generally, fake trees take much longer to assemble than real ones. This is because, in order to make them easier to store, they're usually folded up or flattened since being dismantled and boxed up the previous year. As a result, you'll have to spend some time adjusting the branches and piecing the various sections of the tree back together, particularly if your tree is on the larger side.

Verdict: In most cases, natural trees are quicker to set up and assemble compared to their artificial counterparts.

Environmental Impact

Real: Real trees are 100% biodegradable, easy to recycle, and generally have a much shorter journey to your home or local retailer. Although cutting down trees seems counter-productive to the environment, careful and controlled practices can benefit the land. Additionally, it directly and indirectly creates employment and supports local economies.

Fake: Most fake Christmas trees are made from plastic and would need to be used for upwards of 20 years to be considered a sustainable option. Not only are the materials used to make artificial trees harmful to the environment and rarely recyclable, but most come from China. This means that these trees have amassed hefty carbon footprints long before they even arrive at your home.

Verdict: In the vast majority of cases, natural trees are far more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Disposal

Real: As you know, natural trees must be disposed of each year. Burning used trees is common, though this causes the carbon stored inside to be released back into the atmosphere. Some eco-conscious alternatives include recycling or composting your tree or using a woodchipper to turn it into mulch. Nowadays, many of these trees can actually be replanted, which is among the most low-impact options of all.

Fake: Although fake trees will be discarded much less frequently than real trees, so long as they're used correctly, there's currently no way to dispose of them in a natural, unharmful way. Most are made from non-biodegradable materials, meaning they'll typically end up in landfill. However, rather than throwing your tree away, consider donating it to a local thrift store or even repurposing it to craft other decorations like wreaths or garlands.

Verdict: At present, you'll have far more environmentally friendly disposal options with live trees.

So, Should You Choose a Real or a Fake Tree?

If you're committed to making more environmentally aware choices and don't mind setting aside a little extra time to take care of your tree, your best bet is to opt for a real tree. Those of you hoping to save on cash and don't want the maintenance of a live tree might prefer to stick to artificial versions, though you should do so responsibly.

Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree This Holiday Season

There's quite a lot to consider when it comes to purchasing a Christmas tree, but with any luck, we've helped you conclude what's best for you. Between hefty price tags and question marks about sustainability, it's no longer a decision that should be taken lightly.