One of the decisions people have to make during the festive season is between real and artificial Christmas trees. What makes this decision harder is that both have arguments in their favour.
This blog will break these down to help you make a choice that fits with your overall festive plan.
Real Christmas trees
Pros
A real tree has a distinctive scent of pine that can be appealing. Choosing one will also help to support tree farms in your area.
Real Christmas trees are the environmentally friendly option too, because they are 100% biodegradable and can be recycled as mulch when Christmas is over.
Cons
You will have to water a real tree regularly to keep it looking good and healthy for the duration. They can also be messy, as pine needles can fall off and get stuck in carpets. Buying a real tree is more expensive overall too, because it only lasts for one year.
Finally, real trees can be a potential fire hazard and can bring out allergies.
Who are real Christmas trees best for?
Real trees are best suited to Christmas purists who enjoy selecting one and love the authentic pine smell.
Artificial Christmas trees
Pros
Artificial Christmas trees can save people money over the long-term, as they often last for a minimum of seven years. They do not shed their needles or require maintenance like watering either.
Artificial trees also provide you with more options, including pre-lit Christmas trees and fibre optic ones.
Finally, they are hypoallergenic.
Cons
The upfront cost of buying an artificial tree is higher. You will also need a space for storing it out of season. The manufacturing and shipping mean that its initial carbon footprint can be higher too.
Who are artificial Christmas trees best for?
Artificial trees are the ideal pick for people with busy lives, those who suffer from allergies, people who want to avoid mess and those who want more choice in terms of tree style.
Whether you go with a real or artificial Christmas tree this year will depend on your priorities, and hopefully this blog has helped you determine them.
