Fake Vs Real Christmas Trees - The Christmas Joy

One of the classic debates around Christmas is the fake vs real Christmas trees dilemma – which makes for a better holiday centerpiece? Both types have their ardent defenders and detractors. Are you team real tree or team artificial? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, puzzling over which option will bring the most cheer to our homes. This guide will walk you through the pros, cons, costs, and other key factors to weigh when deciding between a natural or synthetic tree in the fake vs real Christmas trees showdown. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to make the best choice for your festive celebrations!

Real Christmas Trees

For many, the fresh pine scent and authenticity of a real evergreen tree is an indispensable part of the whole Christmas tradition. But natural trees require more upkeep and maintenance.

Pros of Real Trees

Distinct, festive pine scent fills your home
Each tree is unique in shape and appearance
Supports local tree farms and agriculture
More environmentally friendly as a renewable resource
Can be reused or recycled easily after the holidays
Adds an authentic, traditional ambiance to decor

Cons of Real Trees

Require more care like sufficient watering
Shed pesky needles and pine resin
Possible allergy trigger for some people
Risk of fire if not properly watered
Usually more expensive than artificial trees
Require annual purchase, setup, and disposal

Cost of Real Christmas Trees– The cost of real Christmas trees varies depending on location, tree type, and height. On average, you can expect to pay between $75 and $100 for a 6 to 7-foot tree in many areas.

Fake Christmas Trees

For those seeking convenience and low maintenance, artificial trees are an appealing hassle-free choice. Today’s realistic options mimic the real thing while permitting ease of use.

Pros of Artificial Trees

Convenience of quick and easy setup/takedown
Lower upfront cost over a lifetime of reuse
No needles, water or fire hazards to worry about
Offer consistency in appearance year after year
Allow flexibility with placement and decor
Safe and hypoallergenic for pets and kids

Cons of Artificial Trees

Lack authentic pine scent of real trees
Most cannot be recycled, ending up in landfills
Cheap trees may look obviously fake and tacky
Not environmentally friendly as a disposable plastic product
Storage between holidays can take up significant space
Dogs/cats may be tempted to urinate on them

Cost of Artificial Christmas Trees- A good quality artificial tree will cost $100-300 depending on size, realism, special features, and included lights. Cheaper $50-100 options lack realism. High-end artificial trees with advanced fiber optics, sound, and navigation features can cost over $1,000.

Key Decision Factors Between Fake and Real Trees

Beyond the basic pros and cons, several additional factors may sway your decision one way or the other.

Allergies- Real trees with natural pine scent can aggravate respiratory allergies. Artificial trees make a cleaner, hypoallergenic choice for those sensitive to conifers.
Fire Safety- Dried out real trees pose a fire hazard, while artificial trees contain flame-retardant materials. Proper watering and care mitigate real tree risks.
Environmental Impact- Real trees are a renewable resource and recyclable. Most fake trees are non-biodegradable and end up in landfills. Some companies now make recyclable artificial trees.
Pet/Child Safety- Artificial trees are generally safer for homes with pets and small kids who may knock it over or drink water from the tree stand. But supervision is still needed.
Convenience and Hassle- Those seeking simplicity may prefer artificial trees while natural tree fans find the extra work rewarding for authenticity. Time investment for setup/takedown varies.

The fake vs real Christmas trees debate continues to be a hot topic during the holiday season. The choice ultimately comes down to your design theme, budget, priorities around convenience and environment, plus weighing the pros and cons. While natural trees capture quintessential nostalgia, modern artificial options keep improving in realism. Focus on what meets your family’s particular holiday needs and brings you joy!