Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees – The Advantages and Disadvantages

Do you prefer a real or an artificial Christmas tree? You may or may not already have a strong opinion. Either way, this article will help you compare the advantages and disadvantages of both. It may even help you change your mind!

Although the Christmas tree is likely to be the centerpiece of your festive home, this does not mean that you should get stressed about ‘making the right choice.’ Whether you choose, a real or artificial tree is really up to you. There is no right or wrong because it has to fit your needs rather than other people’s expectations.

Are you ready to make a choice and challenge any preconceptions? Then read on!

Real Trees – the Advantages

There is something magical about having a real tree at Christmas. It is hard to explain why, but they just feel right. The scent of the needles will add to that warm feeling and bring back memories of childhood Christmases. A real tree is definitely the more romantic choice!

Choosing a real tree can also be turned into a family event. Going to a store (or going online) to find an artificial tree does not really have the same festive feeling as heading out into the cold looking for a real one. Every real tree is unique, and choosing one that is ‘just right’ can involve all the family.

Another advantage of a real tree is that you can choose a different one every year. Not only are real trees all unique, but they come in many different varieties. With an artificial tree, you are stuck with the same one every year. A real tree means you get to change your mind every year if you wish. Choose between cedars, cypresses, firs, pines, or spruce. Each variety is different, and there is plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets.

If you do decide to buy a real Christmas tree, ensure that it is one that has been grown sustainably. This means that a replacement tree is planted for everyone that is cut down. If you recycle your tree responsibly afterward, then this will also help the environment.

Real Trees – the Disadvantages

As much as we love a real tree, we have to remember that they can cause misery to some people. Christmas tree allergies are not pleasant and can turn festive fun into a festive nightmare.

As good as those needles look when you first buy it, as it gets older, it will drop needles and make a mess of your carpet. If you place a waterproof cover beneath it, this will protect your floor from moisture and make it easier to clean the area afterward.  As a tree gets old, it will also begin to dry out. The drier it gets, the more of a fire hazard it will become. All trees, both real and artificial, should always be kept well away from anything likely to set fire to it. This applies both to when it is new and when it gets older and drier.

Choosing a real tree is actually the simple (and fun) part. Afterward, not only do you need to transport it home safely, but you will also need to care for it until it is time for it to be disposed of. For it to remain healthy, you will have to keep it hydrated and fed (a bit like children). We already know that they can cause a mess (again, like children!), so a real tree requires far more maintenance than an artificial tree.

Finally, once the fun is over, you will need to dispose of your tree. Unlike an artificial tree that you can just put in the attic, a real tree can be challenging to dispose of. Ideally, it will be collected and recycled, but how easy this is to do will depend on where you live.

Artificial Trees – the Advantages

The most significant advantage of an artificial tree has to be simplicity. After your initial purchase, the only thing left to think about is when to put it up! It is a convenient option as it is convenient and reusable. Some also come with lights already connected. This means no more faffing around trying to get all of your lights evenly distributed around the tree (always one of the most challenging tasks of the year!).

Unlike real trees, they will not drop needles everywhere and create a mess and do not need to be fed and watered, so require no maintenance. These may not necessarily be difficult or time-consuming things to worry about but, the more time you can spend relaxing over Christmas, the better. 

Although usually more expensive than real trees, artificial ones are often reused year after year, and so are often cheaper in the long run. Of course, the longer you use it, then the more value you will get from any purchase.

Finally, artificial trees are often easier to buy. Unlike real trees where each one is unique, artificial trees are all mass-produced to be precisely the same. What you see is what you get, which makes it easy to purchase online. There is the (limited) option to buy real trees online but, because the photo you see will show just a probable likeness, you may end up with something you are disappointed with.

Artificial Trees – the Disadvantages

The most apparent disadvantage of artificial trees is that the majority do look visibly fake. Although they have come a long way over the last few years, you need to pay a premium price to get one that seems remotely realistic. Of course, they do not have the scent of a real tree, but this can be compensated for with artificial fragrances – although it is never quite the same!

Not usually a huge issue, but more of a consideration, is that you will need somewhere to store it afterward. The store and reuse of an artificial tree can actually also be a disadvantage because you are using the same tree year after year. If you don’t make the right choice, to begin with, then, because artificial trees are relatively expensive to change, you could be stuck with a tree that you don’t like every Christmas. This can also be a problem if you move homes. The tree that filled the space perfectly in your old house may look out of place in the new one.

Artificial trees are mostly made of manmade materials, such as plastic. They are, therefore, bad for the environment, although this can be mitigated somewhat if they are used for at least ten years. If you decide to go artificial, then you should ensure your tree is coated with a flame retardant. Although probably not quite as risky as real trees, they will collect dust on them, which means they are fire hazards. Many will also release toxic chemicals if they are burnt. Although a flame retardant will not make them totally safe, it is a sensible precaution to take.

So those are the pros and cons of both real and artificial trees. As we said before, there is no right and wrong answer. You just need to choose which type is right for your home and circumstances. No matter which one you choose, we are sure it will look fabulous! If you have decided to go for a real tree, then our article on How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree will help you find the right one.