Should I buy a real Christmas tree?

For many families, this can be the argument which arises every year during the festive season – which is better, real or fake Christmas trees? Fake trees can last years and years, however they just don’t seem to have the same festivity and piny scent of a real tree. If you are having trouble deciding whether you should buy a real or fake tree this Christmas, this is the review for you.

Environmentalism
Fake Christmas trees may seem the obvious eco-friendly option when buying a tree – they can be used over and over and doesn’t require cutting down real trees. However, this isn’t really the case.
Of course, neither trees are “good” for the environment – each year, 120 million real pine trees are cut down for Christmas, causing the release of roughly 3 billion kilograms of carbon into the atmosphere.
However, fake Christmas trees take huge amounts of plastic and metal to be made in factories, then are transported from there to other countries around the world; all this produces many carbon emissions. Fake trees do also eventually deteriorate, and have to be thrown out, inevitably going into landfill. So, real trees, although not good for the environment, are still more eco-friendly than fake trees, which produce more carbon emissions. If environmentalism matters to you, definitely opt for a real Christmas tree this year.

Maintenance
Real Christmas trees are quite high maintenance – they need to be watered once (or sometimes even twice) daily, plus, trimming/shaping branches on the tree may be required. Because of this, if you don’t think you’ll be home often enough to water your tree (or simply don’t want this extra chore on your agenda) fake trees require no maintenance, and would be better suited to you.

Affordability
The average “basic” fake Christmas tree can cost up to $300, however for more realistic ones (models with inbuilt lights, snow, decorations etc.) be prepared to pay thousands of dollars. Alternatively, the average 7-foot real tree costs somewhere between $110 – $170, depending on the quality, company, and demand. This seems much less than a fake Christmas tree, although keep in mind you must buy a new real tree every year! Fake trees last up to 15 years, making their cost more justifiable in the long term, whereas buying a real tree every year for 15 years could cost as much as $2500. In the long term, fake Christmas trees are amore affordable option. If you want to save money, but are prepared to pay a little extra for a fake tree at the start, then they are for you.

Authenticity
Real Christmas trees are the obvious option if you want authenticity. Their piny scents fill your house with a festive aroma, unmatched by any fake tree. Especially as Christmas is undoubtedly becoming more commercialised, real trees can bring you back to the true values and spirit of Christmas. Plastic Christmas trees of course still look real, however, they will never be as genuine as real pine trees.

The Verdict
Not everybody will be suited to the same type of tree; you should pick the one better suited to what you are looking for. If you care about the environment, and are prepared to take on the effort of caring for a tree because you want authenticity, a real Christmas tree is definitely the right choice. However, if you want an “easy” Christmas tree (cost-effective and low maintenance), pick a fake Christmas tree.
Whatever tree you choose, Christmas is a time to celebrate and spend time with your family; your tree is only one small factor of this festive season.

Matilda L, Year 8