Pros and Cons of Real and Fake Christmas Trees

There is one crucial question that anyone decorating for the Christmas holiday must answer at some point: Should you get a real Christmas tree or a fake one? Interestingly, there are arguments to be made for and against both options. This article will compare real and fake Christmas trees and clearly outline the main pros and cons of each.

Advantages of Real Christmas Trees

Real Christmas trees were once the only option for holiday decorators, and they remain incredibly popular to this day. Although real Christmas trees come in several varieties, all of them share the same pros, which the sections below will reveal.
Real Christmas Trees Have an Iconic Scent

The well-known scent of a Christmas tree can be one of the most inviting and nostalgic aspects of the Christmas season. However, if you don’t have a real tree, you won’t have the chance to allow that fragrance to fill your home. The natural aromas of a real Christmas tree are the only true source of this beloved holiday scent.
Getting a Real Christmas Tree is a Fun Tradition

One of the best reasons for getting a real Christmas tree rather than a fake one is that it is something fun and memorable to do during the holiday season. While pulling a fake tree out of storage is quite convenient, traveling to the Christmas tree farm with your loved ones each year can become one of your favorite seasonal traditions.
Buying a Real Christmas Tree Supports Local Farmers
Taking time to purchase a real Christmas tree will also help support the farmers in your area. Many farmers make a considerable amount of income by selling Christmas trees in winter. If we all choose to use fake trees, it could threaten the livelihood of those farmers.
Real Christmas Are Far More Environmentally Friendly
Although it seems that cutting down trees would not benefit the natural world, choosing a real Christmas tree is actually the more environmentally friendly approach. While these trees grow, they convert carbon dioxide into breathable air for humans and animals. While they remain in the farm fields, these trees also provide food and shelter for many mammals and birds.

Disadvantages of a Real Christmas Tree

While there are plenty of good reasons to get a real Christmas tree, there are also a few downsides that you should keep in mind. The next sections will cover a few of the reasons you may not want to get a real tree for the holidays.

Real Christmas Trees Are More Expensive

The most obvious disadvantage of getting a real Christmas tree is that they are more expensive than fake ones. If you choose a real tree, you’ll need to spend time and money to obtain one each year. This makes fake trees the more economical route for those on a tight budget.
Real Christmas Trees Require More Maintenance
When you bring a real tree into your home, you’ll need to care for it while it is on display. This regular maintenance includes watering and cleaning up the many needles that can fall from the branches.

Advantages of a Fake Christmas Tree

Although real Christmas trees are the time-tested option, fake Christmas trees come with plenty of pros as well. Read on to learn why a fake tree can be the best option for some.

Fake Christmas Trees Are More Affordable
Simply put, it costs less to use a fake Christmas tree than a real one. Getting a real tree requires you to spend money at the Christmas tree farm every year. By contrast, a fake Christmas tree is a one-time purchase.
Fake Christmas Trees Are Reusable
Another benefit of fake Christmas trees is that they are reusable indefinitely. Reusing a fake tree not only eliminates a purchase each year, but it can also save you time, as you won’t need to travel to the Christmas tree farm to get your tree.
Fake Christmas Trees Come in Many Colors
One of the more exciting aspects of using fake Christmas trees is that they can come in many different varieties. A fake tree can come in various colors and textures, which can make it stand out with a unique appearance compared to that of a traditional tree.
Fake Christmas Trees Don’t Require Maintenance
Since fake Christmas trees consist of synthetic materials, they do not require maintenance. On the other hand, a real tree needs to receive water on a regular basis. Fake trees also do not shed their needles, which means they won’t make a mess like a real tree will.

Disadvantages of a Fake Christmas Trees

Fake Christmas trees have their advantages, but they come with some significant downsides as well. Below are some of the strongest reasons why choosing a real tree over a fake tree is often the better option

Fake Christmas Trees Lack Fragrance
What many people miss most when switching from a real Christmas tree to a fake Christmas tree is the scent. Real trees come with a familiar scent that many people associate with the holiday season. Most fake trees are unable to offer such lovely smells.
Fake Christmas Trees Are Bad for the Environment
The main disadvantage of fake Christmas trees is that they typically have a negative environmental impact. What makes matters even worse is that most fake trees are nonrecyclable and will not break down over time, which means they will do nothing more than fill landfills once people are done with them.

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