Understanding the environmental impact of real and artificial Christmas trees
Christmas trees are often a source of contention among families. Some people have a preference for real trees, while others prefer the convenience, cleanliness and vibrancy of artificial ones. Here’s how to choose between the two so that you’ll be happy with your choice for years to come…
The overwhelming majority of environmental scientists agree that a real Christmas tree is the way to go. The advantages they offer far outweigh the drawbacks. Most people buy artificial trees because they think they are better for the environment than real trees, but this is not true. Artificial trees are made from petroleum products and lots of resources have been expended producing them. A fake tree takes up space in landfills or incinerators for several decades and must then be recycled.
Considering the cost and convenience of real and artificial Christmas trees
If you love the look and feel of a real Christmas tree, but don’t want to drag it home from the yard or buy one, a pre-lit artificial tree is a great option. Most of them come with light strands that use LED lights that never get hot and have a built-in timer so you can turn them off when you leave for work or go to bed. When shopping for an artificial tree, keep in mind that large ones have small needles and will lose needles more quickly than small trees with large needles. Tall trees are less stable, too so make sure to position yours on a level base or stand when it arrives!
The classic look of a real Christmas tree will always be a favorite, but the convenience of an artificial tree can make holiday decorating easier and more fun.
If you want to put up a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh. If possible choose one that has been harvested within the last year or two. It should smell like pine and not have any brown spots on its needles or branches. A good indicator of freshness is how green its needles are.
Exploring the beauty and nostalgia of real and artificial Christmas trees
Artificial Christmas trees are less hassle than ever. They’re designed to be easy to put up and take down, don’t have to be watered or otherwise cared for (although you may want to dust them occasionally), and can last for years. Some even come with sub plants and LED lights so that you can make your fake tree look as realistic as possible. Artificial trees are also well-suited for households with pets or small children, since they’re less fragile than real trees—and a lot cleaner!
With their sturdy construction and realistic look, artificial Christmas trees will provide holiday cheer for years to come, and they are easy to assemble and maintain. They’ll even survive most household pets! A real Christmas tree, on the other hand, is a classic holiday decoration, but it’s also time-consuming and expensive. When cared for correctly, a live tree can last five to ten years. And there’s always the worry that the dog or kids will knock it over, destroying it in mere seconds.