Benefits of Buying Real Christmas Tree vs Artificial

 Aside from what to gift everybody, how to travel comfortably, and how to spend Christmas without the whole family this year, you may be wondering whether to buy a traditional, new, real Christmas tree or one made from plastic and metal on the other side of the globe. Multiple articles, websites, and papers have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each, although information may be spotty at best.

 

In the end, it will come down to personal preference, but here are some of the benefits of purchasing a real Christmas tree over one that is artificial:

 

Benefits of Real Christmas Trees

• Festive Traditions Are Kept Alive

Taken from storage year after year, an artificial Christmas tree isn't quite the same as going to a Christmas tree farm or neighborhood nursery and taking home a beautiful, live Christmas tree. For many individuals who celebrate Christmas, a real evergreen tree is a joyful and beautiful symbol of family, tradition, and memory, and it is especially meaningful during the holiday season. It's a non-negotiable, festive staple in many families, and the benefits far exceed any cons.

But don't just take our word for it; see for yourself. In a study conducted by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board in 2019, 2,000 American parents with children aged 17 and under who celebrate Christmas were asked about their Christmas traditions. According to the study results, people who buy real Christmas trees are more likely than those who choose artificial trees to place high importance on establishing new holiday traditions with their families. Respondents in the same study said that buying a Christmas tree was their favorite holiday ritual as children and that it is now one of their favorite traditions to share with their children (just behind buying presents for under the tree). If you're still on edge, consider this: according to these study participants, a real tree is just irreplaceable.

• Going Christmas Tree-Shopping Is a Fun Family Activity

In this tradition, it is not just about having a tree, but it is also about going to buy a tree. When the weather is bright and chilly, it's a great December activity to do with your children or friends. It's the perfect weekend activity to get the entire family in the Christmas mood, and the little ones will have a blast helping to select their favorite tree for the living room.

• They Have An Incredible Smell

Christmastime comes with its own bouquet of seasonal scents, but the smell of fresh pine needles might be the most magical. Sure, you can always light an evergreen-scented candle or stick a Douglas fir diffuser on the coffee table, but it's hard to find something that comes close to the natural woody musk of a freshly cut Christmas tree.

• They’re Recyclable and Environment-Friendly

For many years, the cutting down of live Christmas trees was incorrectly portrayed as harmful to the environment, although this is not the case. They're just like every other organic crop in terms of sustainability. According to the Christmas Tree Promotion Board "To preserve the environment, Christmas tree farmers ensure that planting and harvesting are done in a balanced manner. In fact, they plant at least one new tree for every real Christmas tree they collect." Furthermore, they're entirely recyclable and biodegradable, allowing them to be reused as mulch rather than being thrown away after December has passed.

Artificial trees, on the other hand, have a threefold effect on climate change and environmental degradation. They're composed of plastic and metal, take more energy to manufacture, are imported from China, and will ultimately end up in a landfill. The WAP Sustainability Consulting company found that "one real Christmas tree produces less environmental effects than one artificial tree" based on a life cycle evaluation of the comparable environmental effects of both real and fake Christmas trees. On the other hand, an artificial Christmas tree may have a lower ecological impact if the customer retains it for five years or more. Even yet, after a fake tree has served its purpose, it cannot be organically reused or recycled.

• The Local Economy Is Supported

What better way to show your support for small businesses, particularly those that are seasonal, than by purchasing a real Christmas tree from a nearby grower? While fake trees are frequently sold in large chain stores and mass-produced overseas, your business will benefit a family-owned and controlled Christmas tree garden or an endearing local nursery.

• They Usually Cost Less Than Artificial Trees

The price of a Christmas tree is determined by several factors, including where you reside, who you buy from, and the kind of tree you purchase. However, it is a misconception that artificial Christmas trees are usually the less expensive option—at least when compared one to one. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the average cost of a real Christmas tree in 2018 was $78, while the cost of an artificial Christmas tree was $104.