It’s a dilemma as old as time. Do you buy a real tree or invest in an artificial Christmas tree? Both options are popular for different reasons with certain Christmas trees being better suited for some lifestyles and living spaces.
Whether you’ve bought a new home or you’re investing in a new tree, choosing between an artificial and real Christmas tree can feel overwhelming. Your Christmas tree is likely to be the largest investment you’ll make for your festive decorating, so it’s important to choose an option that works with your budget, lifestyle, and sustainability preferences.
With both options offering unique benefits, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to find the one that best suits your needs this holiday season.
Pros and Cons of Real Christmas Trees
For many people, a real Christmas tree is all about tradition. It brings that familiar, nostalgic feel, and for some, it’s not Christmas without the fresh pine smell. But while real trees have their charm, they come with a bit more maintenance. You'll be cleaning up fallen needles throughout the festive season, so a Christmas tree skirt is definitely a must if you go for a real tree.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of choosing a real tree:
Benefits of a Real Christmas Tree
You’ll smell a real tree before you see it. If you love that pine aroma that seems to fill every space in your home, a real Christmas tree is the best way to get that authentic scent. While you can use candles and diffusers to recreate the smell, a real tree has a traditional charm and nostalgic feel, especially if you had real Christmas trees as a child. Real trees are often an eco-friendly option as they’re biodegradable with most Christmas tree farms using sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Drawbacks of a Real Christmas Tree
On the flip side, real trees require a fair bit of care. They shed needles, which means you’ll need to clean up regularly. You’ll also need to water the tree daily to keep it fresh. Even with proper care, a real tree only lasts a few weeks indoors, and it needs to be properly recycled at the end of the season.
Additionally, finding the right size tree for your space can take a bit of time, and if you’re allergic to pollen, dust, or mould, you might want to consider the fact that real trees can sometimes carry allergens.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Christmas Trees
An artificial Christmas tree may cost more upfront, but it can last for many years. If you don’t want to deal with the mess and maintenance of a real tree, this could be a great option. They’re particularly good for people with allergies or anyone looking for a low-maintenance holiday option. Artificial Christmas trees aren’t for everyone, but they’re a great option if you have the storage space.
Benefits of an Artificial Christmas Tree
Even though artificial trees come with a higher price tag initially, they quickly pay for themselves. You can get several years of use out of a well-made artificial tree, making it a good long-term investment. Plus, there's no need for watering, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning up dropped needles.
It’s easier to find the right artificial tree for you as they’re designed to be perfectly symmetrical and come in a variety of styles, including potted Christmas trees and snow-flocked Christmas trees.
Drawbacks of an Artificial Christmas Tree
The drawbacks of artificial trees are less extreme than real trees. Although these trees are non-biodegradable due to their PVC materials, using your artificial tree for at least 8 years will offset its environmental footprint. While the initial price tag might tempt you to buy a real Christmas tree, it’s important to consider it as a long-term investment.
While you won’t have the natural pine fragrance of a real tree, the main drawback of an artificial tree is finding where to store it. Our Christmas tree storage bag makes it easy to pack your tree away safely.
Which Christmas Tree is Right for You?
Choosing between a real and artificial Christmas tree ultimately depends on what matters most to you. Real trees offer that traditional feel with the fresh pine scent and are an eco-friendly option, but they require more care and might not be the best choice for those with allergies.
On the other hand, artificial trees can last for years, making them a great long-term investment. They’re also easier to maintain and store, but they come with a higher upfront cost and don’t have the natural scent of a real tree.
