The Christmas tree has been a holiday tradition for many centuries. Choosing between buying an artificial tree or cutting down a real tree for the holidays can be a tough decision. Do you choose to go with the unforgettable smell of a natural tree, or the convenience of an artificial one? If this is a question you are asking yourself, then read on and hopefully we can help with your decision.

We will start with the positive aspects of a real tree. Many families who have real trees make it a family outing every year to go and pick out the perfect tree, creating their own family tradition. Real trees tend to look more attractive and full. The most loved feature of a real tree is that unforgettable, incredible, lingering scent of a real evergreen. Most people may not know this, but for every Christmas tree cut down, three new seedlings are planted. Therefore, buying a real tree actually helps the environment because more trees are planted for the one you take. Tree plots are also environmentally beneficial because every acre of a Christmas tree farm produces enough oxygen for eighteen people’s needs every day.

The pros of buying an artificial tree are pretty obvious. They save time, and you do not need to pick out a new tree every year. The best thing about artificial trees is that they need no maintenance. They do not need to be watered, and the needles will not fall off. In the long run, artificial trees will save your family money. If you take care of your tree, it will last you several years. The clean-up of an artificial tree is extremely easy – just pack it up in a box – no need to arrange a pick-up for a dead tree. Artificial trees also last longer, allowing you to extend your holiday season as long as you wish. If you are on the more eccentric side, your options for an artificial tree are limitless. Artificial trees come in all colors and sizes, if a pink tree suits your fancy, then go for it!

Buying a real Christmas tree does come with some downfalls. Real trees need to be maintained and watered daily. As the pine needles die, they fall on the floor, which will need excessive vacuuming. Real trees can also become a fire hazard. The pine needles and branches can become dry, and the heat of the lights decorating your tree have been known to become hot enough to start a fire. If you do not own an SUV or pickup truck, finding a way to transport your dream tree home from the tree farm can also be a bit of a problem.

Artificial trees just do not have the pleasant scent of real pine, even if you spray it with one of those artificial pine scents. Another negative aspect of artificial trees is that the initial price can be quite high. Finding a nice, almost real-looking tree under a hundred dollars is close to impossible. They are also not as environmentally sound because, when you are ready to dispose of them they are not biodegradable. Artificial tree storage can be a problem for some. If you do not have an excess of storage space, finding a place for you large “tree in a box” may be close to impossible.

The decision between buying a real tree or an artificial one is yours to make. Hopefully, reading this will help you choose which is better for your lifestyle. If you are busy all the time and already have a full plate, you may prefer to go with an artificial tree. Homemakers and those of you who could not imagine the holiday season without the smell of fresh pine needles may find yourselves at a tree farm in the near future. Whatever you decide, remember Christmas is about families, love, and giving. So take the time to sit around your new tree and share your holiday cheer.

– Kelly Merritt