Real Vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Choosing the Right One

The debate over real vs artificial Christmas trees has been ongoing for decades. Many people choose to go with a real tree because they think the smell is better or simply because it's more traditional. Others prefer artificial trees for their convenience and the fact that they don't have to worry about watering them or dealing with needles falling from them throughout the holiday season. We've put together the differences and benefits of both to help you choose the right tree for you.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees are easy to look after and can look equally real and beautiful!

Maintenance

An artificial tree never needs watering, which saves time and money compared to the upkeep required with a live tree. You also don’t have to clean up fallen pine needles throughout the holidays allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Choice

You have many different types of trees to choose from when it comes to artificial trees. Pick from a range of undecorated, pre decorated, pop up, pre lit, fibre optic and many more! The choice is yours. You can find trees in different sizes and shapes, so whether or not your family or favorite room is small or large, there is something for everyone!

Longevity

If you tend to put up your tree quite late in the proceedings, then a real tree will comfortably last the duration but for those who decorate early it can be a different story. Real trees will deteriorate over time and might not last until Christmas day if you are one to decorate early. An artificial tree keeps its looks and will always look bright and fresh no matter how long you leave it standing. It will also last you for many more seasons to come! If you buy an artificial tree this year, you can expect to use it, on average, for 7-9 years.

Real Christmas Trees

The thoughts of upkeep of a real Christmas tree can be off putting but we're here to highlight the many benefits and how simple it can be.

Scent

Real Christmas trees have a pleasant scent that cannot be reproduced by fake ones. Nothing captures the feeling of the holiday season more than the fragrant scent of a real Christmas tree. Trees can be scented with an oil or perfume spray before being sold if you want something more intense than just fresh pine needles (though this will also give them less longevity).

Look & Feel

A real tree will look more natural than fake ones. This is because their branches are bent rather than straightened into unnatural positions. There also won’t be any weird creases where pieces meet together like some fake trees might have. They're also much more durable than artificial trees. One of the biggest benefits of a real Christmas tree is that it helps to naturally purify the air in your home. A live tree’s needles release water vapor into the air, creating humidity and acting as an air purifier.

Tradition

By picking out a real Christmas tree, you can start a tradition with your family. Every year will be a new experience for your family to look forward to. This is especially great if you’re spending your first Christmas in a new home. What's nicer than a family day out picking the perfect tree and spending the day decorating?

Taking Care of a Real Christmas Tree

In order to keep your Christmas tree fresh, the most important thing is to keep the tree stand filled with water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree. his prevents the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made. Otherwise the tree will begin to wilt and drop its needles.

A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours. From then on, it absorbs one or more quarts a day. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant.