Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Weighing Up the Pros and Cons

The great debate between real and artificial Christmas trees tends to come to the fore each holiday season. 

Whether you're a fan of the fresh pine scent or prefer the convenience of an artificial option, each type of tree offers unique advantages and drawbacks. 

Here, we explore the pros and cons of both real and artificial Christmas trees to help you choose the one that best suits your Christmas season needs.

Real Christmas Trees

Pros:

Authentic Christmas Experience: A real tree brings an unmatched festive charm to your home. With the fresh pine scent filling the air, there's a certain magic to bringing a natural piece of the forest into your living room.

Environmentally Friendly (When Responsibly Sourced): Real trees are a renewable resource, with many tree farms replanting one to three trees for every one harvested. Biodegradable and recyclable, they can be turned into mulch or compost after the season.

Supports Local Farmers: Many Christmas trees are grown on local farms, particularly in rural areas. By choosing a real tree, you’re often supporting British farmers and their businesses.

Customisable Shapes and Sizes: Real trees grow in unique shapes, so you can often find one that perfectly fits your available space and decor style.

Cons:

Maintenance Required: Real trees need regular watering to stay fresh and are prone to dropping needles, which can be messy and require frequent clean-up.

Limited Lifespan: A real tree only lasts about four to six weeks, so timing is key to avoid it drying out before Christmas. For those who like to decorate early, this might mean a trip back to the tree farm.

Allergies and Pests: Some people experience allergies from real trees, and occasionally, they might bring in small insects from the outdoors, though this is rare with quality vendors.

Needles: Pine needles in the feet can come very sharp!

Cost Varies Annually: Prices for real trees can vary based on location, size, and the general market. Over the years, this could add up compared to a one-time investment in an artificial tree. 

Artificial Christmas Trees

Pros:

Low Maintenance: Artificial trees don’t require watering, and there’s no worry about shedding needles. Once it’s up, it will look as good on Christmas morning as it did when you first set it up.

Reusable and Cost-Effective Over Time: Although they require an initial investment, artificial trees can be used for many years, potentially making them more economical in the long run.

Variety of Options: Artificial trees come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours, from traditional green to modern white or even pre-lit options. Many models also mimic the look of real trees, such as pine or fir, offering a natural aesthetic without the upkeep.

No Mess, No Allergens: Unlike real trees, artificial ones don’t drop needles or trigger pollen allergies, making them a good choice for families sensitive to seasonal allergens.

Cons:

Environmental Impact: Artificial trees are made from PVC and other plastics, often with metal parts, which can make them difficult to recycle. Manufacturing and transporting them generates a larger carbon footprint than harvesting real trees.

No Fresh Pine Smell: Artificial trees lack the natural pine aroma that many people associate with Christmas. While pine-scented candles or sprays can substitute, it’s not quite the same as the real thing.

Storage Requirements: Once the holidays are over, an artificial tree needs to be stored for the rest of the year. Depending on the size of the tree and your available storage space, this could be a challenge.

Durability Issues: Despite being built to last, artificial trees can start to look worn over the years. Branches may weaken, and the colours can fade, particularly with cheaper models.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between a real and an artificial Christmas tree ultimately comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget. If you value the charm and tradition of a fresh tree and don’t mind the upkeep, a real tree could bring that extra touch of magic to your holiday. However, if you prioritise convenience, sustainability over time, and have the storage space, an artificial tree may be the perfect fit.

Whichever you choose, Christmas is about creating memories, sharing joy, and celebrating with loved ones—real tree or artificial, that’s the most important thing of all.